1+--+m.o'b.


 * The reminder that I accidentally deleted my rough draft, and for you to check the history.**

What is the definition of abuse? How do you know when it has gone too far and crossed the line from acceptable behavior to abuse? The least specific definition is to put someone down in either a verbal or physical way. There is domestic abuse, child abuse, verbal abuse, and neglect. Abuse can range from hurting someone with your words, to doing it with your fists.

The picture that comes to most people’s minds when they think of the word “abuse,” is actually putting your hands on someone. In our society, this is looked down upon, and is punishable by law. An abuser can get anything from probation to multiple years in prison, for the crime they committed. Many women who are abused do not take themselves out of the situation until it is too late. Many people believe that this is what is most devastating about the victims in situations like this. They feel that they cannot survive without their abuser, because many times the abuser has complete control over their mental state. Usually physical abuse goes hand in hand with verbal abuse.

A second type of abuse doesn't leave bruises or broken bones, but leaves its mark on a person's self esteem. This might range from sarcastic or condescending remarks, to purposely embarrassing someone in public. In the United States this type of abuse is not punishable by law, and by many people isn't even seen as abuse at all. Verbal abuse is what keeps the victim in the abusive relationship. It's the comments that make them feel like they're not loved, worthless, and can't survive without their abuser that make them stay.

A third definition of abuse would be neglect. For example, leaving an infant alone or even completely ignoring your spouse or child. More than half of the children abused in the U.S. are done so, by being neglected, and therefore not receiving the essentials they need. This type of abuse can range from child endangerment which can be an accident, to more extreme cases. A little girl was interviewed on Oprah after being rescued from the horrendous situation she was in. When she was 6 years old when she was discovered in a pile of roaches, trash, feces, and her own soiled diapers. She couldn’t feed herself, walk, or even talk. Her mother told police she was “doing the best she could.”

Abuse can also be perceived in many different ways based on their belief system and culture. As an example, in Afghanistan it's a cultural norm for women to be abused. In the Islam religion, physical force is allowed and even expected in order to keep women submissive. Islamic people read the Qur'an, in which it suggests that women be physically reprimanded if they rebel against their husbands, culture, or religion.

The word abuse has many different meanings depending on the culture of one person, or their own beliefs and morals. In the end, it is for the judicial courts to decide what is considered acceptable, and what crosses the line over to abuse.

I enjoy your topic and clear definitions. This was well structured and entertaining to read. I was amused that you referenced Oprah and impressed that you referenced the Qur'an. You didn't start your sentences with the same word and your paragraphs segued well together. Propz MOB. -EC