Child Abuse Cases During COVID-19

by Morgan Meadows

Child abuse cases have dropped 51% since COVID-19 has started. Many assume this is because of the lockdown and closures of school and daycares, etc. They believe the fact that it has dropped so low is because kids are not in school for teachers to see such things and report them to children services. The abuse has most likely increased as they are locked behind doors and cannot escape. Since children are not around their friends, social workers, counselors, pediatricians they have no eyes on them.

To help those children and not leaving them completely helpless social workers are given their duties on what to do during this pandemic. Some suggestions are speaking to the child and family outside and giving inspections as well as a virtual tour on their phone to show if the fridge is full and the environment of the house is safe.

Some of the spotting of abuse have shown up on zoom due to being at home more. There have been a couple of reports and one specifically stated that the mother hit her son on camera with the teacher watching. There was another case where someone spotted a mark on an 8-year-old boy and the mother was arrested. She had been zip tying his wrist and ankles to the point where they bruised because he wanted to go outside and play.

Through the pandemic people had thought that since the cases were lower, that meant more kids were safe. Unfortunately, we live in a word where everything is behind closed doors right now. Yes, the abuse has become bad throughout the pandemic but so has the increase of sexual predators. Throughout this article it states how they are at home by themselves well that includes almost all kids. When they go out for playtime and they have no adult there that gives them extra chances to snatch kids and prey on the weak.

So for this paper I would like to bring awareness. Watch out for your neighbors and stay safe because there are vicious people out there. If you know someone who is getting abused send help, or if they are starving sneak them some food if you can. Speak up for those who have to stay silent.