Role and Responsibility of the Media in Reporting Child Abuse Cases

Victoria Adjo Cimbie
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Table of Contents
Topic: Role and responsibility of the media in reporting child abuse cases....................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Main Body.......................................................................................................................................3
References........................................................................................................................................6
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Topic: Role and responsibility of the media in reporting
child abuse cases.
Introduction
Child abuse refers to the harm or injury caused to a child through action or failing from
taking action, of a parent, guardian or any other elder (Alaggia and Wang, 2020). It could be
either physical or emotional harm of the nature of maltreatment, physical abuse, exploitation,
sexual abuse, etc.
Main Body
There are few authors who have argued that coverage related to child maltreatment by news
media increases public awareness regarding issue. This provides help to realise need for
reporting child abuse situations (Aroustamian, 2020). There are stories about child maltreatment
which are making headlines. Maltreatment has become an acknowledged social problem across
the world. In context of USA, it can be concluded that there is growth within newspaper news
and articles since 1970 and 1980. There is small portion for child abuse and many neglected
cases that require media attention. CPS within United States provides argument that negligence
is the most common way for maltreating (Media and child abuse, 2021). There are
approximately 78% of examined cases which have been discussed in media. There are most child
abuse and neglect cases which are involved within chronic situations. Some parents are facing
issues of instability and impairment which are not involved in providing basic care and nurturing
for children.
The media has played an important role in the society we live in and according to the latest
report it is analysed that both the child maltreatment reports as well as media coverage has been
increased, Its representation is the primary source of information for many people in the society
(Ayling, Walsh and Williams, 2020). The media started to report about the child abuse cases
when the society decided that it was no longer a family issue instead was something that gives a
child his/her childhood trauma. The reason behind the media covering child abuse is to
discourage criminals and to inform public about the rising issues. Media has the power to create
a negative and a positive impact on the perception of child abuse happening in the society. Media
helps provoke the public about the issue suffered by a lot of children in the community and also
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