NCJ Number
182309
Date Published
2000
Length
144 pages
Annotation
Although written by a single author, this book is designed to summarize opposing views regarding the seriousness of the problem of child abuse, its causes, and how it can be reduced.
Abstract
Following an introduction that considers the definition of child abuse, a chapter presents opposing perspectives on the seriousness of the problem. One viewpoint developed is that child abuse is seriously underreported, such that official statistics do not accurately reflect its prevalence. Another perspective offered is that the prevalence of child abuse is exaggerated, given the number of false reports and the expanding definition of what constitutes child abuse. In two other papers in this chapter, one argues that claims of child abuse are usually valid, and the other develops the thesis that such claims are often false. The second chapter contains three papers that present various views of what causes child abuse. One focuses on the breakdown of the family; another argues that emotionally unstable adults perpetrate child abuse; and the third states that corporal punishment leads to child abuse. The concluding chapter presents six essays that offer different views on how child abuse can be reduced. One paper favors a more aggressive child protection system, and another argues that a more aggressive child protection system would harm children and families. Two other essays present opposing view on the effectiveness of community notification laws in helping prevent child abuse. In the concluding two essays, one develops the thesis that the punishment of child molesters will reduce child abuse, and the other emphasizes the importance of rehabilitating child molesters as a means of reducing child abuse. Appended facts about child abuse and excerpts from related documents, along with study questions, a list of organizations to contact, suggestions for further reading, a list of works consulted, and a subject index