Lancet Report On The Abuse of Childhood

This is the latest of several horrifying reports on the appalling treatment of children in this country, and the general lack of concern over their needs.

"Some 5-10% of girls and 1-5% of boys have been subjected to penetrative sex, usually by a family friend or relative. If sexual abuse is defined more widely - as anything from being shown pornographic magazines to rape - it is estimated that it will include at least 15% of girls and 5% of boys."

"What this report does emphasise is the extent of the risk factors and consequences of child maltreatment, which are of such complexity that any reflex attempt to apportion blame or think there is a simple solution to this issue is to completely misrepresent the extent and depth of the problem."

"Child abuse is grossly under-reported - even by the schools and community health services that have continuous contact with children - another study says."

One in 10 children suffer abuse, say experts

He added: "What this report does emphasise is the extent of the risk factors and consequences of child maltreatment, which are of such complexity that any reflex attempt to apportion blame or think there is a simple solution to this issue is to completely misrepresent the extent and depth of the problem."

Child abuse is grossly under-reported - even by the schools and community health services that have continuous contact with children - The Lancet says.
The fact that this is taking place in affluent countries reveals either the fraud of that affluence - its reliance on an underclass as debased and marginal as any peasant living in a mud village in the Caucasus - or the pernicious objectification of childhood by affluence. Children as the prized possessions of their parents, pets rather than people.