THE INVISIBLE VICTIMS: CHILDREN NEGLECTED AND ABANDONED.

 THE INVISIBLE VICTIMS.

You wake up in the morning and get your kids ready for school. You pack their lunches, and send them off with hugs and kisses. For you, its just another day. But for some kids, its a miracle to simply get a meal, let alone a hug. Child neglect and abandonment are rampant yet often a visible problem in many communities everywhere.

They happen behind close closed doors and in plain sight, to kids of all ages , races and socioeconomic background.

THE HARSH REALITY.

The numbers are staggering. Millions of children world wide suffer from neglect and abuse every day. Negligent is the most common form of child maltreatment.Leaving a child without proper supervision, nutrition, hygiene, shelter, or medical care is neglect. Over 60% of reported abuse cases are due to neglect. physical abuse including excessive physical punishment, is also widespread. Thousands of children are hospitalized each year from serious physical abuse injuries.

Emotional abuse and neglect can be just as damaging. Constantly insulting, shaming , neglecting or isolating a child can lead to lifelong psychological issues.Neglected children often have poor hygiene and grooming. They may frequently appear not bathed or in dirty clothes. Lack of supervision means basic needs like bathing and laundry are not being met. If a child comes to school in the same clothes every day or has a persistent body odor, this could signal a neglectful home environment.

Frequent injuries, untreated medical issues, and missed doctor appointments are warning signs.Neglected children do not receive proper nutrition, medical care, or safe housing.   Unexplained bruises, burns or fractures can indicate physical abuse.

EMOTIONAL SCARES
Being neglected or abandoned as a child can haunt you for life.The emotional scares run deep and the effects are long lasting.

The impact of such experiment is devastating, abused and neglected children often suffer from impaired brain development, poor physical and medical health , learning disabilities, behavioral problem substance abuse and higher risks of suicide or criminal behavior.

The ability to form close relationships may be impaired. Never learning how to bond with care givers early on makes it difficult to connect with others when they become adults.They may struggle with trust and intimacy, always afraid of abandonment.

Low self esteem is common. constant rejection and lack of affection as a child leads to feelings of being unloved an worthless.They doubt themselves and their self worth.

basic life skills may be lacking .Without proper nurturing and guidance growing up, you may have trouble handling responsibilities, problem solving and managing emotions.This vulnerable, voiceless victims desperately needs our help. By reporting suspected cases, donating or volunteering at child advocacy organizations, and supporting legislation aimed at preventing child abuse, each of us can make a difference in protecting this children.

SPEAK UP! 

One of the most important thing you can do is speak up for neglected and abandoned children.They often have no voice of their own and rely on advocates to share their stories. Contact your potential representatives and urge them to support legislation aimed at protecting vulnerable children and families. Get involved with organizations working to strengthen families and prevent child abuse.

Raise awareness in your local community about this critical issues.There are therapeutic  programs and support groups specifically for abused and neglected children.Counseling and therapy can help address trauma. Build self esteem, and promote healthy relationships. Programs like play therapy, art therapy. Use outlets to help children open up and heal.

PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

There are many reputable charities  helping neglected and abandoned children that rely on donations. Sponsor a child by covering cost for food, medical care and education. Donate to organization that works to strengthen families through parental education, addiction recovery programs, mental health services and temporary housing.Contribute to charities that provides emergency shelters, foster care, and adoption services for children in need.

Every small action taken to help a neglected or abandoned child is significant. While these children may feel invisible to the world , together we can give them a voice and show they matter.