Child Abuse: Behind Closed Doors

A Michael Jackson documentary brings the topic of child abuse to fore.

By Colin Allen, published on February 01, 2003

Michael Jackson is in the spotlight again; this time not for his music but for an ABC documentary that aired last Thursday, February 6. In the documentary, he admitted that he let children--not his own--stay overnight in his bed. His actions, however, are not criminal, according prosecutors. For any investigation to take place, substantial evidence of child abuse must be presented.

The case brings to discussion a well-known fact: child abuse often goes unreported. "The official statistics represent just a tip of the iceberg," says Brian Wilcox, Ph.D., director of the Center on Children, Families and Law at the University of Nebraska. "There is a fair amount we'll never know."

In almost all cases of child abuse, a statement is needed from the abused. Yet abused children are often afraid to speak out. For example, they may be afraid of being separated from the abuser—often a parent or guardian.

Also, "abuse is commonly overlooked because it often takes place behind closed doors," adds Wilcox. "We see the consequences, but not the actual behavior." There is also the question of whether a child has actually been abused.

Fortunately, once abuse is identified, steps can be taken to prevent future instances. An abuser, for example, can learn techniques that control his or her impulses. "Any parent will tell you that there were times when they had to stop and count to ten," explains Wilcox.