Just what is child abuse? Click here for a definition of child abuse. Click here to take a child abuse and neglect test.

I have been with the Maine Department of Corrections for 25 years, and believe me, it has been a very enlightening position. I never realized just how sick and disturbed some people really are until I took this position. Heinous crimes summarized in detail in thousands and thousands of police reports.

The most difficult reports to read are those detailing crimes against a child. How anyone can beat a child to death, drop kick an infant, burn a child to death by putting it in an oven for punishment, intentionally starve a child to death, or sexually abuse a child is beyond my comprehension. Those of you who know me also know I am a mother, and when I read these reports, my heart breaks for the children who will never know the type of childhood my son has enjoyed. Their lives are destroyed at such a young age by parents and/or relatives who never should have been NEAR a child let alone raise one.

Yes, children learn what they live. I have seen childhood victims of sexual abuse become juvenile offenders of the same crimes they were victims of, who move on to become adult offenders, too. It's a vicious cycle that needs to be broken!

You can make a difference. Get involved in your community. Pay attention to who your child has for friends. They may be victims. If you are abusing your child, seek help - it's not too late! Educate your children about sex offenders - who they are, where they are, etc. It's a difficult subject to discuss with your child, but it pays off in the long run. If someone starts getting especially close to your child, PAY ATTENTION! They could be grooming your child to be their next victim! Encourage your children NOT to keep anybody's "secret". Sex offenders tell children the abuse is "their little secret". Sex offenders also use guilt to keep a child quiet about the abuse telling them "no one will like them anymore if someone finds out". Talk to your children. Be sure they know you will love them NO MATTER WHAT and that they can talk to you about ANYTHING!

You cannot be too protective of your child. Their lives depend on it!

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"Bless The Beasts And The Children"