Child abuse is a big problem in the United States. This is the physical abuse or sexual molestation of a child. Many times they go undetected for many years because a witness or the person being abused is afraid to speak out. When it is reported to the police, all the information is passed on to the DSS (Department of Social Services) or similar service, and they take matters into their own hands. The law is not always strict or enforced enough, so sometimes children focus too much on less important issues, distancing children from their families when they should be focusing more on cases of abuse. More than 3 million reports of child abuse are made each year. in the United States involving more than 6 million children, a report may include more children (Child Abuse Statistics). Many people don't realize that child abuse can be emotional (saying hurtful words), physical (hitting or any form of putting your hands on someone), or sexual abuse. The attacker puts the lives of many children at risk and jeopardizes their future. It can interfere physiologically with their lives and lead them to believe that this is the way to handle problems, which may affect their children and their family. This can result in a prison sentence. In the state of South Carolina the law states that "abandonment of a child occurs when a parent, guardian, or other thousands of cases are reported each year in the United States. These cases of abuse include sexual, verbal, and physical abuse." . Many children are taken from their families and placed in foster homes or given up for adoption. Abuse can affect the person's mind for their entire life. They may begin to feel that the situation they were in was right. If the victim feels it is right or that it is their fault, they may find themselves in the same situation again. Often the victim of abuse becomes an abuser. Law enforcement needs to enforce the law more to help take a stand to stop children