Why Is Child Abuse So Prevalent in 2012?

I remember reading awhile back when there was a whale trapped in the ice by Alaska and the US and the Soviets ( yes that far back LOL ) worked together to try and free it, a news commentator said that overall, people are basically good they just lack something or other. I don't agree with that. People are generally good when they have to answer for their actions, when they don't, or feel they don't, I believe people show just how we truly are, and it disgusts me to think that I have to include myself in that as I have a conscience, a strong one, but I have never been in a position like that. so I really don't know about me