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A small stone is dropped into a pool of water. A ripple forms, circling out farther and farther from the source of the disturbance. Soon you really can't tell where the water was initially touched, but you can still see the flaws on what was once a smooth surface.

So it is with child abuse. Somewhere, out of sight of the world, a helpless child is harmed. No one may know or see. But when a human being is scarred to the soul, it will affect other human beings.

One of the major "ripples" we see in our society is the vast number of angry and unhappy people. Where there is anger, there has often been hurt and abuse. When children are harmed, and they can't talk about it or deal with it, it often comes out in aggressive or violent ways.

Another ripple has affected loving, caring parents by placing all corporal action in the category of "abuse". Because of sick individuals who have taken discipline out of context and used it to harm their children, often parents who choose to spank or use other corporal action are considered abusers.

Thanks to child abusers, no parent can send their child away Trick-or Treating without a small army of adults present. We wouldn't dare take our eyes off of our children in the park, not even for a split second. And little boys that are embarrassed to be seen in the Ladies Room have no choice but to go with Mama, because Mama can't know if a pervert is lurking in a Men's Room stall.

Child abuse has taken it's toll on society in many negative ways, but there are positive sides as well. Because of public awareness, if a child dares come forward with proof of abuse, there are many options available to make sure that it won't happen again. Though this doesn't necessarily mean that frightened, helpless children feel free to tell their stories.

Above all, I believe the biggest impact child abuse has had on society is the loss of our innocence. We can't pretend that we live in a world where children are always loved and treasured in the way they deserve to be. The realization can be overpowering and depressing. And today I will sit down and hold my angels just a little bit tighter.

Learn more about this author, Denise Ramer.
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