According to social statistics presented in 2019 that focus on child abuse and neglect rates in the United States on the basis of victims’ race and ethnicity, it is possible to notice huge disparities. Thus, the highest rate of 14.8 cases per 1,000 children was observed among American Indian or Alaska Native victims (Statista Research Department, 2021). They are followed by African Americans with a rate of 13.8 cases per 1,000 children (Statista Research Department, 2021). In general, neglect was defined as the most common type of child maltreatment across the country.
From a personal perspective, child abuse and neglect are directly connected with the attitude of both society and government to particular populations and the state’s general economic conditions. In other words, when a community faces limited opportunities, biased attitudes of the other part of society, and global economic challenges, it may lead to negative consequences that affect children as well. In the case of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and African Americans, it is commonly known that these minorities frequently experience limited access to health care and education due to low incomes, unemployment, and discrimination. As a result, adults are vulnerable to poverty, emotional distress caused by a financial burden, alcohol and substance abuse, involvement in crimes, and teen pregnancies. All these risk factors may lead to violence or indifference in relation to children. In addition, victims may experience physical and emotional abuse from the members of other communities on the basis of racism, for instance, in schools.
In general, there may be two major solutions – the most radical one is to remove children who are constantly abused by parents from families when their lives are in danger. At the same time, it will not solve the main causes of child abuse among minorities as it will not improve members’ living conditions. Thus, more efficient solutions include the development of foster homes, legal procedures in order to protect children, and supportive family services. In addition, governmental authorities should take all efforts to reduce inequality in political, business, education, and health care systems.
Reference
Statista Research Department. (2021). Child abuse rate in the United States in 2019, by race/ethnicity of the victim. Statista. Web.