Editorial

Editorial: Measure Taken to Strengthen Protection Against Child Abuse  Our children are the future. The way they are raised now depicts how our future turns out. Child abuse is a major problem, because children are scared for life physically, emotionally, or mentally. In serious cases, the child may die from neglect or constant abuse. In Hawai'i, most children are raised getting "lickins", so not many people would give a second thought to it. But sometimes, parents take it too far and they don't even realize it. Recently Hawaii has significantly strengthened its protections against child sexual abuse when Governor Neil Abercrombie signed a measure extending the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits filed by child victims. It opens a one-time two-year window to allow victims to file suits against their abusers even if the time limit had expired under the old law. However, it can take many years, even decades, before child abuse victims are emotionally ready to come forward and tell their stories in court. But by then, they may be barred from suing by the statute of limitations. This new law allows child victims to bring suits up to the age of 26, or three years from the time the victim realizes the abuse caused injury. The law’s leading opponent was the Roman Catholic Church, which has been working hard to defeat statute of limitations reform across the country. The Markey bill, as well, requires that a victim obtain a certificate from a mental health professional that there is reasonable proof that the abuse occurred before a suit is produced. Despite this law's adversaries, Governor Abercrombie has done a wonderful job in taking initiative to help these children that are too scared to come forward. As a victim of abuse, it would be hard to come forward, and any persons that try to aid them in that confrontation is doing right. Morally, it is our responsibility to protect the children of the future. Child abuse is an issue not taken as seriously by many people, and raising awareness for this problem should be plastered on every wall of every building. Not only does child abuse affect the victim physically, but it also affects them emotionally and mentally. The child will never be the same, and often times they are not offered help. In some cases, the family goes to therapy. But in severe cases, the child is left to struggle on their own and to just deal with the abuse. No child should ever have to DEAL with child abuse. The public needs to know that child abuse is serious, and if they should know or suspect of anyone that may be suffering from abuse, let someone know. Getting the measure through the State Senate would be an uphill climb, but continued support of this measure would just be the right thing to do.  Any step toward bettering the protection for child abuse victims should be publicized and given much more attention. Child abuse victims need to know that there is help out there. I feel that more people in general should be educated about what to do when confronted with the situation. It would put more children in safety, and would prevent death. These children suffer a great deal, and just that one person that would step in and make a difference in their life, they would be forever grateful. Most children, however, are scared of getting their parents thrown in jail or getting taken away from the only people they know. A better outlet to help these children is to suggest family therapy or individual therapy. Often times these children become extremely depressed and anxious. What should you do if you suspect that a child has been abused? How do you approach him or her? Or what if a child comes to you? It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed and confused in this situation. Child abuse is a difficult subject that can be hard to accept and even harder to talk about. Just remember, you can make a tremendous difference in the life of an abused child, especially if you take steps to stop the abuse early. When talking with an abused child, the best thing you can provide is calm reassurance and unconditional support. Let your actions speak for you if you’re having trouble finding the words. Remember that talking about the abuse may be very difficult for the child. It’s your job to reassure the child and provide whatever help you can.

__Bibliography__ "Child Abuse and Neglect." //Child Abuse & Neglect: Recognizing and Preventing Child Abuse//. Web. 15 May 2012. . "More Time For Justice." //The New York Times//. The New York Times. Web. 15 May 2012. .