Crimes Against Children Need Stability,

Crimes Against Children

Children need stability, predictability, clear boundaries, and structure and without these elements can feel unsafe, isolated, and not cared for. While there are many types of crimes against children, "the core element that ties them together is the emotional effect on the child." ("Child Abuse & Neglect") Any action taken against a child that results in the child feeling emotional pain, as well as any action that results in physical pain, can be considered a crime against a child. And while some crimes leave permanent scars, other types of crimes can leave deep, permanent emotional scars. Because children are so vulnerable and innocent, and because many of the crimes against children are committed by those who are supposed to be caring for them, crimes against children can be considered the worst type of crime that can be committed.

The first type of crime committed against children are physical abuse crimes. These include the obvious beatings and assaults, but also includes such things as religious practices like circumcision, forced marriage, forced fasting, and child sacrifice. Beside beatings and religious practices, physical abuse can consist of other elements such as child labor, child soldiers, intimidation, child trafficking, confinement, medical neglect, and murder. Sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution, pedophilia, and incest against children are also forms of physical crimes against children. (Bulwer)

But physical crimes are not the only types of crimes that can be committed against children, emotional crimes are just as harmful. This can include such crimes as abandonment, abduction, discrimination, indoctrination, lying, racism, terrorism, neglect, isolation, and hate. (Bulwer) While these types of crimes do not leave physical signs, they can cause permanent psychological scars.

It is up to adults to end criminal activity against children and there are many things each person can do in their lives. The safety of children is the most important function adults can perform and "the key to their safety is awareness, education, and prevention." ("What You Can Do") Children must be taught self-esteem and self-preservation, that they can talk to adults about problems, where are the safe places to play, and to be aware of their surroundings and those in it. It is paramount that parents know the people in their neighborhood, the friendlier one is with their neighbors the safer they will be. In this way the neighbors will always be on the lookout for trouble and everyone can watch over everyone else. But most importantly adults, especially parents, must recognize that they are responsible for their own actions and should retain a measure of level-headedness and self-control at all times. Finally, parents need to take personal responsibility for their children's care, providing both physical and emotional nurturing.