Babies cry. Their only method of communication can unnerve even the most patient, sleep-deprived parent enough to react. The reaction, however, is most often to enlist additional support via their spouse, a family member or friend. These parents understand why babies cry and have a good support system when they are exhausted and frustrated. Unfortunately, not all parents have such knowledge or support and can react in ways that lead to harm rather than help.
A new study published yesterday in the journal Pediatrics, noted that children under the age of one, are more likely to be hospitalized for abuse than they are to suffer from SIDS. While child abuse happens across the entire socioeconomic strata, the study also points out that children with the highest risk are those who are on Medicaid, healthcare for low income families. The experts believe that this high association between poverty and child abuse can be linked to economic stress and lack of parent support.
Interestingly, the headline by Reuters noted that child abuse experts are calling for a campaign around the issue. We couldn’t agree more. Shepherding the Next Generation is launching a Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect that will culminate on April 29, Blue Sunday. On this day churches across the nation will set aside time in their service to pray for the victims of child abuse and to consider how each person can help to prevent child abuse and neglect. We can all do something.
Study: Child abuse affects more U.S. kids than SIDS
Abuse’s big toll on littlest victims