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Wear a blue ribbon, prevent child abuse by Gale Horinbein, MSW, LMSW MUSC SCAN (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect) Coordinator During the period of 1993 - 1997, more than 5,000 children in the United States died from abuse or neglect which translates to about three children each day.  These numbers are particularly alarming in light of the fact that the nation’s overall crime rate fell more than 21 percent from 1993 to 1997, while reports of child abuse and neglect grew by nine percent. Even confirmed cases of child abuse increased three percent during that same period.  Prevent Child Abuse America conducted a study in 1998 and found more than 3 million cases of child abuse and neglect reported to child protective service agencies throughout the United States. In 1998 in South Carolina alone, there were 20,686 reports of child abuse or neglect involving almost 46,000 children. Sixteen children died as a result of child abuse and 14 of these deaths involved children under the age of 3.  Experts believe this is only the tip of the iceberg since many cases go unreported. The National Exchange Club Foundation, an all-volunteer, national service organization, champions the mission of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The organization encourages individuals to wear or display a blue ribbon throughout the month of April. This symbol helps to increase awareness and promotes public education of the startling child abuse and neglect statistics.  As part of this year’s Blue Ribbon Campaign, the Exchange Club is highlighting information on Shaken Baby Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects.  Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) results from violent shaking of an infant or toddler. This sudden whiplash motion can cause bleeding inside the head and increased pressure on the brain, which pulls the brain apart, resulting in injury to the child. SBS occurs most frequently in infants under 6 months of age, but can occur up to the age of 3.  Inconsolable crying is the most frequent cause for losing control with a child according to caretakers. Other reasons include frustrations related to toilet training, fussy eating, and unreal expectations by adults for a child’s behavior.  A one-time, violent shaking episode, even for a few seconds, can injure a baby for life. Injuries include brain swelling and damage, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, developmental delays, partial or complete loss of vision, hearing impairments, skull fracture, broken bones, seizure disorder, learning disabilities, paralysis and death. Typically, SBS is manifested internally and often there are no obvious outward signs of injury, particularly in the head or behind the eyes.  Many adults mistakenly believe that shaking a baby is a harmless way to stop a child from crying; however, almost 25 percent of all babies with SBS die. It is estimated that 25 to 50 percent of parents and caretakers aren’t aware of the effects of shaking a baby. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) occur when mothers consume alcohol during pregnancy. Children with FAS and FAE have a range of less visible problems like difficulty paying attention in school to severe mental retardation. Diagnosed cases of FAS are estimated to be 1:3 per 1,000 live births.  The good news is that SBS and FAS/FAE are 100 percent preventable.  We can take action in our schools, churches, neighborhoods and families to promote programs that support families early in their parenting cycle.  Taking care of a baby is a big job that can be overwhelming and frustrating. Many times the stresses of day-to-day life, fatigue, family problems, financial strain and overwork can make someone reach a breaking point. The cycle of child abuse can be prevented by early intervention and providing support and preventive services to families. April’s observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month is an annual opportunity to remind ourselves of our collective responsibility to prevent the abuse and neglect that robs so many of our society’s children of their childhood, their sense of security and well-being.  Please get involved. Wear a blue ribbon and support the prevention of child abuse. To order blue ribbons or obtain information about child abuse, call 792-8947. For more information about programs to prevent child abuse and neglect, contact the Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, 747-1339 or visit their website at <http://www.preventchildabuse.com>