Unfortunately, too many ways to abuse children

Unfortunately, too many ways to abuse children
EDITOR:
I found a June 3 letter to the editor very interesting. The letter, "Neglected children most likely to get in trouble," referred to the writer's concern regarding the abuse of children.
According to the publication "Child Abuse" (Green Brier Press), the forms of abuse are: neglect, 55 percent; physical, 27 percent; sexual, 16 percent; and emotional, 8 percent. These percentage do not add up to 100 because the categories overlap.
Children have always been the easy targets for abuse which is why the community must be involved.
The reduction of child abuse demands a long overdue "Children's Bill of Rights." A version of such a bill is printed in "The Maltreated Child" by Vincent J. Fontana & amp; Douglas J. Besharov. It follows:
1. The right to the affection and intelligent guidance of understanding parents.
2. The right to be raised in a decent home in which he or she is adequately fed, clothed and sheltered.
3. The right to the benefits of suitable guidance and training.
4. The right to a school program which in addition to sound academic training offers maximum opportunity for individual development and preparation for living.
5. The right to receive constructive instruction for the proper development of good character, conduct and habits.
6. The right to be secure in his or her own community against all influence detrimental to proper and wholesome development.
7. The right to individual selection of free and wholesome recreation.
8. The right to live in a community in which adults practice the belief that the welfare of their children is of primary important.
9. The right to be exposed to good adult examples.
Although reports of physical abuse and battering of children have increased significantly over the years, child neglect is by far the most common form of maltreatment.
Abuse crosses generations. Parents who were abused are six times more likely to abuse their children than parents from normal (non-abusive) homes.
Parents who never had parental love and care simply don't know what being a loving parent is. Many of those who are abused are programmed for violence.
My thanks to the writer for his thought ful piece.
WILLAM ROORBACK
Boardman
X The writer is a member of the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Community Advisory Board.
Morning-after pill only discourages commitment
EDITOR:
I am responding to the May 22 column "Morning after pill a preventive." Experience teaches that contraception use is the main cause of the high percentage of divorces.
Why would a senator introduce a spending bill for a deterrent to lasting relationships? What did Britain prove by handing out emergency contraceptive pills and then asking how often 14- and 15-year-olds in their constancy of desires dissociate the sexual act from any ability to make long-term commitments, weakening any sense of fidelity and entering married life with these same inconstancies?
The real question to be asked is "How many partners?" How many teen-age girls are carrying feelings of betrayal and low self-esteem? Why aren't schools willing to face up to the abuse of sexuality? Date rape is becoming more common as teen-age girls are looked upon as objects of pleasure without any mutual respect?
Contraception is just an instrument of cover-up. Put a stop to the cycle of abuse. Schools have a moral duty and responsibility.
SYLVIA KOCZWARA
Boardman