Neglect is the most common form of child abuse and accounts for more than half of all reported cases. Dave Pelzer, author of several books including A Child Called It was the victim of many abuses including neglect. In his book, he writes:

“When I was given the luxury of food, I ate like a homeless dog; grunting like an animal at Mother’s commands. I no longer cared when she made fun of me, as I hurried to devour even the smallest morsel. Nothing was below me. One Saturday while I was washing the morning dishes, Mother scraped some half-eaten pancakes from a plate, into the dogs’ dish. Her well-fed pets picked at the food until they wanted no more, then walked away to find a place to sleep. Later, as I put away some pots and pans in a lower cabinet, I crawled on my hands and knees to the dogs’ dish and ate what was left of the pancakes. As I ate, I could smell traces of the dogs, but I ate anyway.”

Many battered children are also neglected. If their parents or care providers do not provide adequate food, clothing, shelter or medical care, they are neglected. Besides these basic needs, they also deserve love, and an education so they can survive as adults. In North America, an education is mandatory. The child must be home schooled or sent to school.

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