Wear a blue ribbon, support campaignby Gale Horinbein, MSW, LISW-CPSCAN (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect) Coordinator Child abuse is a national tragedy, taking the lives of three children every day and affecting millions of children and families every year. Each April, Child Abuse Prevention Month activities raise awareness about this problem—and most importantly, about what each of us can do to help prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation's children. In 2002, Child Protective Services (CPS) agencies throughout the U.S. received 2.6 million reports concerning the welfare of approximately 4.5 million children. The information provided in 67 percent of these reports was sufficient to prompt an investigation and, as a result of these investigations, 896,000 children (an average of 2,454 children each day) were found to have been victims of abuse or neglect. Also, in 2002, 1,400 children died as a result of abuse and neglect. Thirty-eight percent of the fatalities were associated with neglect alone. Physical abuse was cited in more than 30 percent of reported fatalities. Another 29 percent were the result of multiple maltreatment types. Sadly, the highest rate of child maltreatment occurs to our youngest and most vulnerable children under the age of 4. In addition, children younger than 4 account for 76 percent of child fatalities. No group of children is immune. Boys and girls are almost equally likely to experience neglect and physical abuse. However, girls are four times more likely to experience sexual abuse. At least 4 out of 5 victims are abused by at least one parent and no matter how the fatal abuse occurs, one fact of great concern is that the perpetrators are, by definition, the very individuals responsible for the care and supervision of their victims. In 2002, one or both parents were involved in 79 percent of child abuse or neglect fatalities. Of the other 21 percent of fatalities, 16 percent were the results of maltreatment by nonparent caregivers, and 5 percent were unknown or missing. These statistics are consistent with findings from previous years. The impact of abuse is far greater than its immediate, visible effects. Abuse and neglect are associated with short and long term consequences that may include brain damage, developmental delays, learning disorders, problems forming relationships, aggressive behavior and depression. Survivors of child abuse and neglect may be at greater risk for problems later in life—such as low academic achievement, drug use, teen pregnancy and criminal behavior—that affect not just the child and family, but society as a whole. During April's observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Blue Ribbon Campaign serves as a memorial to the children who were affected by abuse and neglect and also a reminder that we can all play a part in making child abuse prevention our business. The campaign was initiated in 1989 by a Virginia grandmother, Bonnie Finney, as a tribute to her grandson. Three-year-old Michael Wayne Dickinson was killed by his mother's abusive boyfriend and his battered body was found at the bottom of a canal. Following her grandson's death, Finney started a personal crusade to help protect children by tying a blue ribbon to her van antennae to remind herself and others of the terrible beatings her grandson sustained. This action touched so many people in her community that it spread from neighbors to the media and eventually grabbed the nation's attention. Today the blue ribbon has become the national symbol of child abuse and a constant reminder of our need to protect children. Although all the causes of child abuse and neglect are not known, research identified several risk factors and protective factors associated with child abuse. Studies have also shown that when there are multiple risk factors present, the risk is greater. For example, lack of preparation or knowledge of critical issues surrounding parenting, financial or other environmental stressors, difficulty in relationships, stress of single parenting and depression or other mental health problems can all lead to abusive or neglectful behavior. Parents may lack an understanding of their children's developmental stages and hold unreasonable expectations for their abilities. They may be unaware of alternatives to corporal punishment or how to discipline their children most effectively at each age. Parents also may lack knowledge of the health, hygiene, and nutritional needs of their children. These circumstances, combined with the inherent challenges of raising children can result in otherwise well-intentioned parents causing their children harm or neglecting their needs. By helping parents who might be struggling with any of these challenges, you reduce the likelihood that their children will be abused or neglected. Prevention efforts build on family strengths. Through prevention activities, such as parent education, home visitation, and parent support groups, many families are able to find the support they need to stay together and care for their children in their homes and communities. Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to highlight the role we can all play to support parents and families. Please get involved. Wear a blue ribbon and support the prevention of child abuse. For information about programs to prevent child abuse and neglect, contact the Exchange Club Center at 747-1339. To order blue ribbons, call 792-2975. Source: Prevent Child Abuse; S.C. Department of Social Services; and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. How you can take part in prevention efforts
In 2003, South Carolina officials determined that 10,058 children were victims of abuse and neglect. This statistic only reflects those children reported to and indicated by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates the actual incidence of abuse and neglect to be three times greater than the number reported to authorities. Therefore, it is safe to estimate that more than 30,174 of our state's children were victims of abuse and neglect. Looking at this another way, between three and four South Carolina children are abused every hour of every day. Reports and types of abuse Of the 10,058 determined child victims: 1,336 suffered physical abuse; 4,408 were physically neglected; 408 were educationally neglected; 305 were medically neglected and 45 suffered mental injury. Child fatalities The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's Department of Child Fatality reports that there were 28 child abuse fatalities for 2003. Six were less than 1 year old; six were between 1 and 2; twelve fatality victims were female and 16 were boys (one Hispanic, 10 Caucasian and 17 African-American).
Friday, April 22, 2005
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