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Marriage equality, or otherwise known as gay marriage or same-sex marriage, implies the marriage between two persons of the same sex. While the federal government of the United States does not recognize this type of marriage which is also  against the Defense of Marriage Act; this has been legalized in six of the 50 states namely Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and Vermont; Maine, New Hampshire, California (June 16-November 4, 2008), and New York and Washington DC. It was in early 1970’s when different movements were pursued to obtain marriage rights and benefits for same-sex couples in the United States, and it was in the 1990’s when the issue became prominent and politics have mixed up with it making New England as the center of same-sex marriage legalization.
The federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage, though they have not established their own definition of marriage, The Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman for the purpose of federal law. In this regard, the legal issues involving gay marriage has been more complicated. Barack Obama, while remaining sympathetic to gay rights, is against same-sex marriage like other democratic leaders. He opposes a federal mandate for same-sex marriage, but does not support the proposed federal ban on gay marriage, because for him, the individual states should decide.
On the other hand, same-sex marriage supporters make several arguments in support of their position. Advocates liken prohibitions on same-sex marriage to past prohibitions on interracial marriage while some supporters argue that same-sex marriage should be viewed as a civil right to a minority group.
In the present time, the issue and controversy of same sex marriage is still an unclosed case for there are many factors to be considered especially in the religious aspect. Moreover, this matter would still be a subject for discussion and controversy for a very long period, until humanity has faith in his religion.

Child abuse is an act or series of acts, omission or commission by a parent or guardian causing harm to the child. It mostly occurs at home, school, or the community where the child interacts.
Child maltreatment is categorized into four; first is neglect or failure of the parent or guardian to provide the basic, emotional, and intellectual needs of the child. Next would be physical abuse. This can involve striking, burning, choking, or shaking a child. In some jurisdictions, the transmission of toxins to an unborn child such as the fetal alcohol syndrome is considered a form of it. Sometimes, child abuse and child discipline are misinterpreted. There are human service professionals who claim that a cultural norm that adopts physical punishment is a form of child abuse. The use of any kind of force against children as a disciplinary measure is considered illegal in 24 countries around the world.
Emotional abuse on the other hand, involves belittling or shaming a child, withholding of affection, and granting of inappropriate or extreme punishments. Lastly, sexual abuse, which occurs when there is any sexual act between the guardian and the child including penetration, oral sex, or forced nudity in front of the adult. According to surveys, Neglect has been the most popular form of child abuse among these four while emotional maltreatment has the least number of cases reported.
The effects of child abuse vary, and it greatly depends on its type. Children with history of neglect or physical abuse are at risk of developing disorganized attachment style or even psychological problems, while victims of childhood abuse is claimed to suffer from different types of physical health problems later in life. Physical abuse on the other hand, results to a higher risk for the child of developing cancer. They are also likely to receive bone fractures.
Various treatments are now available to victims of child abuse. However, parents and guardians alike should already learn to love their children, as these are gifts and should be taken cared of.

Nowadays, the percentage of working women is greatly increasing, and accompanying it is an increase in the number of cases of sexual harassment especially at the workplace.
Sexual harassment is defined as intimidation, bullying or coercion of a sexual nature, or giving indecent proposals for sexual favors. In some circumstances, this is considered illegal. It mainly roots from different behaviors leading to abuse or assault. Most of the time, the harasser has power or authority over the victim. In other words, there is preponderance and this is what the harasser is taking advantage. He can be anyone; a client, co-worker, professor, a friend or even a stranger. Contrary to what others think, the victim does not have to be the person harassed, it can be anyone who finds the behavior offensive and is affected by it in any way. There are different types of harasser, and the most common form of it is the Power-player or legally termed as “quid pro quo”. This involves “indecent proposals” in exchange for sexual favors. Examples are getting or keeping a job, favorable grades, credentials, promotions, and more. Next is the Counselor-Helper, also known as the Mother/Father Figure, who creates a mentor-like relationship with the victim and takes advantage of it. Serial Harassers are different; they try to build up a nice image so that people around them would find it hard to believe that they could do such acts. There are also types like the groper, opportunist, bully, confidante, situational, one-of-the-gang, pest, great gallant, intellectual seducer, incompetent, stalkers, and more.
If a harasser, especially in the office, is found guilty, the penalties against him may include warning or reprimand, Transfer or demotion, Salary reduction, Suspension or termination, Training or counseling, or monitoring.  Other than these, the Civil Rights Act of 1991 expanded the rights of the complainant, which allows individuals who file actions under the law to collect up to $300,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. In the years following the passing of this law, many states tightened sexual harassment laws and added measures to protect victims from reprisal.