Child abuse is one of the most polarizing issues of the millennium. Did you know each day at least three children die as a result of abuse?

There are four kinds: physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect.

Physical abuse is the most popular and most familiar and consists of beating a child. Sexual is the second most common. It consists of forcing sexual favors upon a child. An example of emotional abuse is negative verbal attacks that may lower their self-concept. Though a child may suffer from physical or sexual abuse, or neglect, they all suffer emotional pain. On the other hand, neglect is inattentiveness to a child’s proper need - whether emotional, physical, or financial.

However, we can make a difference! I’d like to encourage everyone to get involved in child abuse prevention. Because everyone is not aware of internal affects of child abuse (or feel it is none of their business), children are forced to suffer without a voice to be heard. But as Americans, it is our duty to take a stand and be the voice of a child's silent cry.

Getting involved is simple. You do not have to endanger yourself through direct involvement. You can become a hero to a child with adoption, foster care, or donations to child abuse prevention facilities and programs. Even calling and reporting suspicious acts of any form of child abuse is helpful.

Let’s come together as Americans, not as male or female, black or white, but as one unit working towards one goal: Preventing Child Abuse.

There’s a saying that goes, “American ends in I CAN.” We are Americans, therefore, we CAN get involved! Website: www.preventchildabuse.org

Johnniecia Lee is a junior Marketing major from Memphis.