The role of the elementary school counselor in child abuse

Child abuse has existed for as long as man has inhabited the earth. In spite of its long history, child abuse has only recently been recognized as a problem in need of investigation and study. In earlier ages, children were considered property of their parents. As with their property, parents were allowed to treat their children in any manner they desired. The children were left with few, if any, rights. In addition, the sole responsibility for child rearing was placed in the hands of the parents. Agencies were not available to take care of children if parents could not or would not bear the responsibility of rearing their children in a humane manner