The Financial Effects of Child Abuse

The Financial Effects of Child Abuse
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Institution
The Financial Effects of Child Abuse
Introduction
The abuse of children affects more than the key aspects of the existing social construct owing to its adverse impacts on the economy. The increasing rate of child abuse around the world calls for a dynamic shift in addressing the issue as its adverse effects are digging deep into government expenditures, which in return hurts the taxpayers. Child abuse can be described as causing harm to a minor or anyone under the legal age of 18 years (Communities, n.d). It ranges both in severity and nature of harm ranging from physical, mental, sexual, emotional, psychological abuse. Child abuse denies children their right to a good and happy life as is deserved by any other child in the world. The varying forms of child maltreatment not only have a negative impact on the well-being of the victim but also bear down on the society as a whole through equally adverse economic challenges. Disorderly behaviors in the society such as drug abuse, alcoholism, physical and mental health problems, increased rate of school drop-outs, and criminal activities form a strong correlation with child maltreatment. In essence, the impact of child abuse increases cases of disorderly behavior among the young generation and thus requiring more investment from the government and non-government organizations in implementing the preventive measures.
A great difference exists between a child who is treated well and one that is maltreated in regards to their future contribution to the society and economy in general. Child abuse robs a country of its future productive labor force CITATION Gel12 \l 2057 (Gelles, 2012). All children, with fair treatment by both the parents and the society as a whole, are more likely to grow up to become future employers and employees wit...