Child abuse appears to be on the increase due to the recent economic downturn. The combination of tough economic times, losing jobs and incomes, even the loss of a home can bring about tremendous stresses on already stressed out parents. Raising young kids is already difficult, even without the recession.
Reports from across the U.S. seem to be indicating that the incidence of child abuse is increasing, even doubling in some areas. The saddest part of this increase is that more children are dying at the hands of their abusers than before. It's time for parents to stop, take a breath and think about what's going on. It's time for parents to stop child abuse now.
Victims of Child Abuse Increasing
When things like a bad economy, recession, or loss of employment are added to the already stressful challenges of raising young children, the results can be tragic. Karen Grace, in her May 18, 2010 article for KENS5.com in San Antonio titled, "Bad economy may lead to rise in child abuse cases in Bexar Co.," reported that "More Bexar County children are now being abused – or killed – because their parents are going off the deep end."
In the same report, Dr. James Lukefahr said that in San Antonio where they used to see one or two cases of child abuse every month, now they're seeing twice as many cases every month. Last year in Bexar County, there were almost 6,000 confirmed cases of child abuse, and 13 child deaths as a result of child abuse.
The Reasons People Abuse Children Are Not Good Reasons
While no one knows the exact reasons for a particular incident of child abuse, there is a good amount of research and study that indicate the most common reasons people abuse children. The first is the immaturity of the parent or parents. Immaturity or lack of parenting knowledge can lead to unrealistic expectations for a child. When a child cannot meet those expectation, child abuse can be the result.
Some parents have unresolved issues or unmet emotional needs that can cause stress, anger, and rage. An adult lashing out at a child because needs are not met is never going to make a situation better. Difficulty in relationships can cause great amounts of stress and lead to child abuse. There are lots of reasons people abuse children, not one of them is acceptable or right.
Increase Abusive Head Trauma Linked to Recession
USA Today reports that the recession may be provoking an increase in the deadliest form of child abuse, shaken baby syndrome, otherwise known as abusive head trauma. This type of child abuse can lead to permanent brain damage, paralysis, or even death. Alice Newton, medical director of the child protection team at Children's Hospital in Boston, says she has seen an increase in especially violent abuse of children.
Rachel Berger, a child abuse specialist at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh said that recessions and hard times can cause an increase in child abuse and death in an indirect way. Parents simply need to find other ways to vent their anger and rage. Preventing child abuse should be the primary goal of every parent, extended family member, and friend who is close to a family. For too long, people have shied away and meekly turned a blind eye to victims of child abuse who cannot defend themselves or cry out for help.
See also: Child Abuse Currently on the Increase Due to Bad Economy
Sources:
Kens5.com; Bad economy may lead to rise in child abuse in Bexar Co. (accessed May 18, 2010)
FresnoBee.com; Abuse case push Fresno Co. CPS to limit (accessed May 18, 2010)
USAToday.com; Recession linked to increase in shaken baby syndrome (accessed May 18, 2010)
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