Such a thing as spanking the child was usual and acceptable behavior. Child abuse was only such as thing as heard in fairy tales. "Abuse and neglect by one's own parents is so macabre that until recently [1980] these practices had been relegated to the realm of folk tales, under the guise of wicked witches, cruel stepparents, and terrified children" (Williams and Money). Without the knowledge of the devastating effects of child abuse, there was no thought on this subject or anything slightly related to it. No one would think of corporal punishment because there was no such thing. Punishment was punishment. .
In the 1960s through 1980s the corporal punishment debate started. Slowly word got out that child abuse was real and something that needed to be worried about. "Now, at last, the sciences, social work, and the law are beginning to catch up with the folk wisdom; and public and professional consciousness has been awakened to the reality and frequency of traumatic abuse and neglect of children at home" (Williams and Money). People had long ignored the fact that child abuse was a reality and now as it slowly came out people began to realize that other forms of punishment, although considered legal, were just as abusive.
In 1973 media coverage hit millions. Astounding newspaper headlines were everywhere, showing the devastating effects of child abuse. .
" RESCUING THE VICTIMS WHO CAN"T FIGHT BACK (Washington Post, 2/1/73) THE CHILD-BEATERS: SICK BUT CURABLE; "MOTHERING," NOT PRISON, IS THE BEST HOPE FOR HELPING THESE PARENTS, EXPERTS SAY (Denver Observer, 3/24/73).CHILD ABUSE--THE DARK SIDE OF FAMILY LIFE (Sunday Star, 3/25/73)- (Williams) .
As effects of abuse started to come out many wondered where the line between abuse and discipline lay. Had the beating that once been considered acceptable been wrong all along? How far was too far? .
Child Abuse became a major trepidation.