There's no one root cause for child abuse, but there is one easy solution. If you see something, say something.

Based on data from the 2006 Kids' Inpatient Database

Just because a child went to the hospital doesn't mean it was abused. What about the kid who accidentally touched the stove or a space heater? The one that fell down the stairs? Some things are just accidents caused by a moment's inattention. I wouldn't call that abuse.

Abuse of any child is an inexcusable sin. Whether it be your own or someone else's, children must be protected.

One way to reduce if not eliminate child abuse is to stop bringing unwanted babies into the world. Our prisons are filled with unwanted children, and unwanted children of poor and disadvantaged mothers are most often victims of abuse.

The notion that every pregnancy is a precious gift that should be brought to term is naive and dangerous, not only to children but to society in general. Every woman should have the option to terminate an unfortunate or unwanted pregnancy.

AG99 your right there are cases where the explanations falls under that things happen. My guess is that this was already taken in count for. I seriously doubt that many of these incidents are misdiagnosed.

The article said that the injuries were "due to mistreatment".

JournalJournal

Its not that easy. Most states/cities are cutting back. I called children services on a neglectful alcohalic mother who wasn't feeding her children or supervising them and they said that wasn't bad enough for them to even come out and investigate. So, we need to quit cutting important government services like this, otherwise nothing will get done. I do not know what to do about the children now-should I call the police? who will help them now if children services won't? Should I just go and kidnap them or something?

AG99 - That is a troubling statement. Hospitals and police are trained and I can assure you the difference between "an accident" and ABUSE is usually (again I repeat: USUALLY) very very obvious.

Your statement detracts from the wide spread rampant abuse of children and the education of communities who need to speak up the moment they are suspicious. Do not wait - better to be wrong and ensure safety, then to fall into the "it is none of my business" or "I don't want to get involved" selfish, self-focused attitude many people take.

Very few cases of shaken baby syndrome are of an accidental nature. The violence of the brain smashing into the skull when a young child is shaken is like that of being in a violent car accident. This doesn't happen when a child falls down while learning to walk or by running into a wall - these are excuses given by parents who purposely and violently hurt their children in a fit of anger. It's inexcusable!

The very very few cases of as you say "accidental" harm, may also be abuse in terms of negligence. Purposely leaving young children to their own devices and not properly monitoring them while around hot stoves or bathtubs - places where they can burn themselves or drown - are abuse in the term of being negligent. Many of these cases are also very clear - i.e. - I was too busy playing a video game to be bothered. Other times, not so much as in the toddler was napping in her room and I was in another room, she apparently got up and went and drowned in the toilet - cause a swimming pool should be gated and a bathtub shouldn't have standing water, etc... you see how few & far beyond - actual accidental tragedies are?!?!?? No many kids are drowning in toilets, a few mop buckets... but the likelihood of an "accident" during proper monitoring is very limited.

I just recently adopted 2 children from foster care who were abused, neglected and physically harmed by their so called bio parents. Bios who also choose to ignore them to use drugs and then when attentive decided to beat them and pull them around by their hair - ages 3 months and 3 years.

Please don't take away from the need to educate people to step up immediately. Again, better to be wrong then wait and later find out you should have done and said something!!

I lived in a rural South Dakota town for years and there was a glorification to teen motherhood. The problem is that the newness wears off and the attention turns to the next teen that gives birth. Kids are not equipped for parenthood and that's largely where the problem lies.

There is no evidence to support that "theory". In fact women as a whole in this country have been waiting longer and longer to have children.

One way to reduce if not eliminate child abuse is to stop bringing unwanted babies into the world.

Baloney. Just because YOU don't want other people (minority ethnic groups?)to have children does not mean those children are unloved or unwanted.

This kind of callous disregard for human dignity and life is at the very ROOT of child abuse, and is itself merely a milder form of abuse.

The best way to reduce child abuse is to uphold the sanctity and dignity of ALL human life!

goodforgoodnesssake: Actually there is plenty of evidence about teen pregnancy and it's relation to child murder. In fact a new classification, "Neonaticide," has been designated to define child murder within the first 24hrs. The highest incidence are among young, poor and uneducated girls with little or no prenatal care.

The women you mention waiting to have children are the exact opposite.

The best way to reduce child abuse is two-fold, Planned Parenthood type birth control services - which I'll be sending them their donation plus Komen's share this year, and education of the youth to not have kids until they can support them.
I'd like to add mandated child rearing classes, but that'll never fly.

Note that a recent study implicated young, immature and inexperienced fathers as a real danger.

"The number one perpetrators are fathers and male caretakers," she said. "Very few perpetrators are mothers. It's the people that mothers give their kids to that end up being the perpetrator."

Gershoff said the young age of the victims suggests crying might have caused the abuse.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/19/us-abuse-recession-idUSTRE78I0RZ20110919

This is so sad. Although abused, these children would probably still choose to be with their parents. A child abuser has got to be the lowest form of humanity.

Other news from the Yale report, Nascar drivers tend to turn left, exposure to sunlight causes warmth, and the police spend an inordinate amount of time in Americas trailer parks.

All that notwithstanding, I remember the SIDS thing from when my children were young in the early 80s. I thought then, and still believe today, that more often than not what ends up being blamed on SIDS is actually child abuse.

One solution to much child abuse would be more effective and convenient contraceptives; especially in the hands of teenagers.

Few things ruin life and destroy dreams like having children too soon.

"The number one perpetrators are fathers and male caretakers," she said. "Very few perpetrators are mothers. It's the people that mothers give their kids to that end up being the perpetrator."

Cassandra - your quote was taken out of context. The study referred to in the article you linked DID NOT provide ANY evidence that male caretakers were the most likely perpetrators. That was simply an ignorant and thoroughly misguided speculation on the part of the study author. In fact, the quote you cherry-picked appeared immediately under an all-CAPS heading "REASONS UNCLEAR:"

It's unclear how to account for the findings. But Berger [said] that fewer resources might have forced mothers to leave their babies with people who don't usually take care of them -- like fathers or male caretakers.

As a single father whose stomach turns at the mere thought of child abuse, I find your statement almost as misguided and insulting as the researcher you misquoted.

Well rounded -
I agree with most of what you said, that true cases of abuse are usually fairly obvious. The thing is in the article it was unclear if all the injuries being reported were from instances of abuse or if they were taking into account all pediatric traumatic injuries regardless of causation.

I do take offense at your comment that if an accident does happen then it must be the result of neglectful parenting. While I applaud you for being a foster parent and giving these kids a good home, your statement clearly demonstrates that you are not a parent yourself. Accidents do happen. Most new parents spend many a waking moment in a semi-state of panic trying to avert a tradgedy. I remember when my son was maybe 3 months old we were moving and I was carrying him in one arm while navigating between boxes and accidentally smacked his head into the doorway. I was terrified and took him to the ER where the doctor checked him over and then told me how when he first brought home his child he fell asleep while holding her on the couch and he dropped her head first over his shoulder. Kids fall climbing out of cribs, they grab electrical cords, they open cabinets, they climb over safety gates. I have known many kids who were mini Houdini's when they hit the toddler years (luckily not mine) and no amount of baby-proofing could contain them. It is not feasible to expect a mother to always have her kids in her line of sight 24/7 when at home. We do our best to baby-proof and keep them safe and try to look forward to prevent as many accidents as possible. We put them to sleep on their backs and we never leave the room when they're in the tub. But Moms have to pee too. We have to get dressed and shower and take the laundry out of the dryer. The doorbell rings occasionally and sometimes we answer the phone. If an accident happens, it's not neglect. Neglectful child abuse is failing to change your child's diaper for days on end. It's forgetting to feed them. It's refusing to hold them. It's not giving a d@mn if they are taken care of or not. Calling an accident abuse only diminishes true abuse and does more harm than good in trying to solve the issue.

Thanks PDK, I think Dr. Rachel P. Berger, the child abuse expert at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh who co-authored the study, was referring to the increase in traumatic head injuries and not all child abuse. According to the Center for Disease Control American women kill more of their own children than any other mothers in the industrialized world. A 25% increase since 1985.

This is backed up by the American Psychiatric Foundation and US crime statistics among others. A recent Katty Kay interview on "Morning Joe" was the first time I heard it in any of the media.

Ignorant and misguided doesn't describe Dr. Berger's and Cassandra's slant. Reckless and politically motivated are more accurate.

One way to reduce if not eliminate child abuse is to stop bringing unwanted babies into the world. Our prisons are filled with unwanted children, and unwanted children of poor and disadvantaged mothers are most often victims of abuse.

If these children are "unwanted" as you say - then why is it that these "poor disadvantaged mothers" go to such great lengths to have them - over and over again?

It seems to me that they want their babies; however, when it comes down to the hard work of raising children, they don't want the responsibility and/or they don't have the skills, to do it properly

Thank you, Xina. That's what I was saying, just in too short a form to get the message across apparently.

robbopaloobop What great lengths are you referring to? Spreading your legs without protection is hardly a great sacrifice.

Education should start with society disapproving of ANY type of hitting of children, including assault too casually dismissed as "spanking," "popping," and slapping, and abuse dismissed as "whipping" or beating.

For too many angry parents, physical hitting or shaking of their children escalates into adult-level battery and should be treated as such -- a crime! In our legal system, it is illegal for adults, even those related to each other, to strike each other.

Domestic violence charges should be leveled against parents who physically punish their kids, even if the parent views it as harmless or necessary spanking.

If I see you out in public hitting your kid(s), I will immediately call 911 so the police can begin tracking your abusive behavior. I know if you will hit children in public, then you will beat them in private -- or worse.

Emotional/verbal abuse and child neglect are also important issues, but I think Americans should start with issue #1: STOP HITTING KIDS! Set a good example and praise good behavior, set logical consequences, and always parent in a protective, loving manner.

This article fails to distinguish between hospital visits for child injuries and neglect that do NOT result in overnight admission, such as all of those poor kids who are brought to the ER and discharged elsewhere.

And people like you are exactly the problem. You assume you know something when you see someone discipline their kids in public. That's just it - you don't really know, do you? Maybe the kid has been screaming for the last 2 hours, maybe the kids is mis-behaving and discipline is exactly what they need. But you just want to be the judge, jury and executioner, don't you?

Well, when my kids were younger and they decided they were going to act out in public and because of people like you, I would stand in the longest line I could find in the store so everyone could listen to my child act out. When he or she got home, they received a spanking. Why, because I love my kids enough to discipline them!

There is a DIFFERENCE between discipline and abuse!

JEM-1989317

robbopaloobop What great lengths are you referring to? Spreading your legs without protection is hardly a great sacrifice.

...I stand corrected - the question should be: why then don't they make the effort to keep their legs crosssed?

...is it that difficult?

pdk - note, if you googled this topic, that it is YOUNG, immature - and often laid off/barely employable young men who are the issue. This has NOTHING to do with mature fathers who are raising their kids on their own, such as yourself. Google "child abuse study, young men" - pretty hideous stuff, not like I'm makin' it up as I go.

at the end of the day, you simply cant eliminate child abuse...

all we can really do, is invest in taking care of the children once we find out they are abused.

and at this point, we simply refuse to do that. we are too greedy, we are taxed too much, and govt is way to inept to ever be good at helping kids.

so why bother?

let those kids grow up to be adults, who'll likely repeat the abuse cycle.

we seem to ignorantly believe, thats the cheaper...more efficient way of handling this problem.

stupid is as stupid continues to do.

Cassandra, try looking up "abusive mothers." The worst offenders of very young children are single, uneducated and poor women. Next are women in conjunction with their boyfriend or significant other.

Children are statistically safest in two parent homes with natural fathers.

I agree with you about parenting classes and think they should be mandatory for both boys and girls as part of their health program.

Everyone, from infancy on up should have equal rights to bodily protection. Sadly, in our culture we choose to allow our most vulnerable citizens to be physically tortured under the guise of 'discipline'.

Discipline does not require the torture of a child's body. Discipline should be teaching, guiding, leading by example. Until we give infants, toddlers, and children the same rights to physical protection as adults, things will only get worse. Many in America would be disgusted if a man beat on a woman, but applaud men (and women) who torture babies. It boggles.

pdk - note, if you googled this topic, that it is YOUNG, immature - and often laid off/barely employable young men who are the issue . . . Google "child abuse study, young men" - pretty hideous stuff, not like I'm makin' it up as I go.

Cassandra - I was merely responding to the quote and article that you provided in support of your assertion. Frankly, when you make such a controversial claim, the onus is on you to back it up with credible evidence. Thus, I have no interest in doing research to support your erroneous claim, which I've already debunked using the very link that you yourself provided. Moreover, if there's such a bounty of research that backs up your claim, then why didn't you cite that evidence in the first place?

In short, I don't necessarily think you're "makin' it up as you go," but I do think your posts imply a certain gender bias that you were all-too-willing to trot out as objective and factual in response to a somewhat related story. Perhaps I read too much into it - I've just grown weary of the volume and intensity of sexism from women on issues of child-rearing in virtually every context and setting imaginable.

I wonder how many of these a$$holes still have their kids?

I would like to get rid of the common crap that a quiet baby is a "good" baby, or one that sleeps through the night is a "good" baby.

Excellent point! It is very normal for babies to cry, even often, and many babies take a lot longer to sleep through the night than the supposed 4 months old or once they hit 11 lbs crap that ignorant doctors tell parents. Thinking that they have a "bad" baby or that they are somehow parenting wrong just adds to the stress level. Infants are demanding and overwhelming, reassuring and supporting parents instead of setting up unrealistic expectations for them and their babies is one of the many ways we could help lower the risk of child abuse.

reassuring and supporting parents instead of setting up unrealistic expectations for them and their babies is one of the many ways we could help lower the risk of child abuse.

Agreed. One nice thing about hearing a baby cry is that it proves the lungs and many other systems are functioning properly.

The 'war on drugs' has already been decided. Drugs won.

Since stoners are far less prone to violence than drunks, much child abuse would be eliminated if marijuana were legalized.

Agreed

There is definite a correlation between hard drugs, crack, meth etc., alchoholism and child abuse. It's well documented.

There is NOT a correlation between child abuse and marijuana. Pot heads who abuse their children are also doing other drugs.

I think norms exist for a reason...so if your kid falls outside the norm, err on the side of caution and do all you can to make sure it's nothing more than "just taking longer, or just crying more"

I dont know why any parent would prefer to be handed an easy button that says "eh, dont worry...im sure they'll be fine...and if not, they'll cry louder and harder...probably, maybe"

JEM: That's what I said, hard drugs and alchoholism.

Ever see a nature film?

Usually, in nature films, the mother would beat the stuffing out of anything that tried to hurt her baby, not the baby. However, under stressful conditions, penned up, some animals will eat their own.

I had a rabbit that got pregnant and ate all her young the moment they were born. A friend's hamster did this too. And fish.

I am not shocked by this study; and this is just the number of cases reported by those who required hospital attention. We do not need another study paid for with our tax dollars to tell us we need, as some here have strongly stated, a "war" against child abuse. We need an all out war against child abuse, child sex abusers, and bullies. The numbers are too deceiving. One out of four American women under the age of 18 report having been sexually abused. That is just the number reported. One in five children report being bullied daily in school. Again, that is just the number of children who are willing to tell their parents. We spend more on studies than we do on cures. The current administration and their program; "Stop Bullying Now" has been a massive failure and a loss of millions of our tax dollars. The same holds true with their actions and actions with our money on the local, county, state and federal levels. It does not work, I wish it was as simple as tossing more money at any given problem and the problem would "go-away." This is our money and I agree we must take a more active and direct stand on the ways in which our money is spent.

Our donations to the non-profits and the thousands of tax-free foundations are a "tax write-off." Before you jump on me, I get it , I really do. People who give, it is their money, they have earned it and it is their business how they choose to spend it and on what. It is also their business who they choose to give it to. I do get it and I got it a long time ago.

I also understand that I am not a saint nor do I even pretend to be, I am far from that. Let me pose one serious question. Would these people, the billionaires and millionaires still give their money if it was not a "tax write-off?" I would like to see a study on that. Would Warren Buffett, the self proclaimed philanthropist, give his money to any group or organization that was not registered with the federal government as a non-profit; a 501c3? According to his 2006 "My Philanthropist Pledge" he would not. He would also never encourage any other millionaires or billionaires to give to any group or foundation that is not a registered non-profit.

Through out both peace and war we, the people of America, have been the most giving people in the world. We can claim that; we can own that. We believe in "philanthropy" which translates into "the love of humanity." We are a people who may be down to our last ten bucks and when we see a Viet Nam Veteran on the streets of any city in our country most of us will give him a dollar and think nothing of it. Yes, our 10% with the hope that it will be spent on food or hot coffee.

The federal government allows for the non-profits. The registered non-profits do not pay taxes and those who give to them are able to write-off a large portion if not all of what they donate to them from there taxes. We may not agree with the philosophy or the politics of any given foundation but they still continue to get the tax advantages which translates into a loss of capital into the treasury. Thus the giver and the receiver have massive tax advantages. George Soros is said to be a philanthropist for an example. He gave 330 Million to his "Open Society Foundation" last year. This sum he was able to deduct from his taxable income like it or not, agree with their mission or not. Other self stated "good-deed-doers," or philanthropists such as Denny Sanford, Joan and Irwin Jacobs, Bill and Melinda gave millions upon millions. Would they still have given were there no tax advantages at all? Are they truly "lovers of humanity?"

It is important here to mention that Mr. Buffett in his "My Philanthropic Pledge" of 2006 asked hundreds of "rich Americans" to pledge at least 50% of their wealth to registered charities and foundations. To me this is an exclusive and all inclusive request. For many Americans a million bucks is pocket change and good for them, they worked hard and made a lot of money. That is a part of the Great American Dream and one of the many factors that has made us such a great nation.

Following the massive devastation of Hurricane Katrina I and thousands of other Americans took serious note of how the donations to many groups were ill spent and in many cases not spent at all,( some millions are said to be sitting in investments and drawing interest). Again, it is their money and they can do with it as they please and they do. Does it not seem a little strange and self serving when many who are more nationally famous than others grand stand their million dollar gift? I noted that some from Hollywood called their press agent who in turn called the media and their was coast to coast, ( maybe even world-wide) television coverage of them giving a cool million away. They did not have to "Text Katrina" or "Text Haiti" with the automatic withdrawal of $10.00. That was a nice thing but why the big song and dance; the show?

I think the "Wounded Warriors" charity is great thing. That people are giving of their money so that our men and women who have served our country are able to, among other things, have artificial legs and arms; arms so they can hug their children. The sad thing is that our government sends our men and women into battle, spends billions of dollars on the battles, and cannot meet their medical needs when they are seriously harmed. Take this fact and think about the advertisement on television of the "Wounded Warriors" and the request that we give to help. If I was Iran's equivalent to Nazi Germany's "Minister of Public Enlightenment ans Propaganda," Herr Joseph Goebbels I would simply be running the advertisement across Iran on every television channel in their country. How telling is that about our government, about the damage done to our brave troops?

Following Katrina I set about some serious studies as to the groups and organizations in America who are doing the most for Americans with the least. To my amazement many of them proved to be unregistered non-profits with the government. Many of them have been quietly doing their good work for decades. Buffett and others would, under his "Pledge" refuse to donate to these groups despite their hard work and ability to squeeze a dime and put it to work. I have spoken with the directors of many of these groups to ask why they just don't register as a certified non-profit. Interesting, the reasons vary one from another, yet the constant seems to be that they understand that the money is really the money of the people of America, the tax-payers of America. Many stated that if people believe in what they are doing, then they will give and give from their hearts out of love: the true meaning of "Philanthropy," and not because it is a write-off. Under the Buffett Rule these groups who carry the heavy load, don't pay fat salaries, have fancy conferences in 4 star resorts, drive spanking new non-profit automobiles, walk on fine oriental rugs in their plush offices and on and on. are left without any money donations.

One group that I have found who has been fighting against child abusers, physically and sexually, fighting against bullies, working to help all those who are victims of such horrid abuse is Focus Adolescent Services, www.Focusas.com They don't have a prayer of seeing a dollar from Warren Buffett or any others who will not give unless it is tax deductible. I have been told that millions of Americans visit their web site every year and many thousands of victims receive help from their counselors who manage their free national help line. There are others I am sure. Come on Warren, change your rule, your "Pledge" and pull out your wallet. Heck, a dollar from many adds up too.

Yes, we need to wage a war against all those who harm the little innocent children. They cannot protect themselves so we must help.

I am under the general opinion that in many countries, such as Islamic, that the numbers are greatly under reported. The fact is that many of the acts of sexual abuse are not reported. It is something that families don't want to admit. The argument of whether the United States ranks high truly doesn't matter. What families need to do is to ignore the shame that is leveled against the family and report the abuser who ever they may be.

Faith? Depends on what type of faith you mean. Being religious doesn't mean you are less likely to abuse your child. Some of the meanest, sickest abusers I have known were very religious people. I'm not saying all are abusive of course, but it isn't getting faith back that is the problem. It's using faith as an excuse that is more of a problem than not having it and so many hiding behind computers, seeing violence on tv, and getting used to spewing hate and losing their compassion and sense of responsibility and civility that I think contributes to the horrible things done.

David, there is great under reporting in the US, so adding the Islamic wasn't even needed.

Your right it has nothing to do with faith per say. Using the example of Islamic nations such as Iran or Afghanistan was easier to see because they are constantly in the news. I made a generalization that I should have never done. For that I am very sorry,

Bringing faith back is the solution? Tell that to the boys of those "faithful" Catholic priests.

Two things about Catholic Priests. One is that please don't get me even started about this. As a Catholic I am appalled that the Church would even think that this should be covered up as they did. Even though the true number of priests was low the fact that they moved them around to abuse more of its children is inexcusable.

It should be noted that at the time this was happening the thought was if you took the abuser out of the enviroment he was in the abuse would stop. You would think however that once it was happening in the second area that they might get the hint.

I believe in my faith but that does not mean that I can excuse the leadership that allowed this to happen.

Krazymop and Ram when I was ignore Catholic Priests was because the story was referring to families not outside sources. I am not aware of any doctrine within the Church that would even begin to suggest that this would be allowable.

Oops Sorry Ram but I also am unaware of anything having to do with with the Muslim faith that would think that this would be a good idea either.

Then you should do more research - the church intentionally hid the abuse, that's the same thing as allowing it.

The bimbo who ran the pre-school at our Catholic church KNEW that the priest was a sexual deviant and had been arrested and she PERMITTED him to be alone with our kids. Too bad she dropped dead before I had the chance to spit in her face. And do you have any idea how many parents came out in support of this abomination called a man of god? For christ sakes, they set up a defense fund for him!

Okay first off child abuse is far from a new craze. Caezar had little boys at his beck and call. The only thing that has changed is that we now KNOW that it is a horrible, imoral act that HAS to be stopped.

You mean the "faith and virtue" of the Catholic Priests?

Religion is a very poor solution to most social problems.

Faith? Ever read the Bible? It's full of incestuous marriages, teen pregnancy (Mary?), and violence. Ever read the story of Abraham? He was about to hack up his son because God told him to do it. There's stuff al throughout the Bible that wouldhave kept Children's Services busy for months.

It's using faith as an excuse that is more of a problem than not having it

I don't think anyone "excuses" child abuse because of "faith". If you are saying that you can be moral without having faith, fine.

But truly having faith would not make one more of a child abuser than one would be without faith. And there is no study showing that people of faith are more likely to commit abuse.

It takes education and vigilence and, in all likelihood, a few wrongful accusations, to truly protect children. Most people have no idea that child abuse exists, because the very nature of the subject is unthinkable to a normal person.

Faith and virtue? So do you want to lie and say children are possessed of the devil and burn them, or do you want to have sex with the children? These seem to be the options that 'God' and his people have to offer. I don't think it's an improvement.

Faith is OFTEN what people use to excuse the physical torture of a child. Faith does anything but protect children from abuse.

Do you have a better suggestion?

I feel very sorry for kids that left in day care from the moment of their birth. Parents dont feel as attached to their kids as if that parent would stay home feeling responsibility every second for kids life, just feeling that kid. Most of you unload your infants in day care, pick them up at night (and dont understand for the rest of the night why in the hell the kid is crying and what to do with it). Government should extend stay home rules for mothers, for about a year at least (while paying them for that). I believe that would make big difference. The problem is ANGER and frustration (there is no one standing with the young couple) and day care prices are f...everybody up, starting from kid and ending with already desperate parent.

Sending some of those children to day care probably saves some lives. I know a lot of parents do not have good coping skills and some are overly emotional and angry. A setup for child abuse to happen.

Lightning Dave, some of us have no other choice but to put our children in day cares. I had to send my son when he was about 3 months, and I am extremely attached to him! My husband and I are also responsible for his care as well! Part of our responsibility is being able to provide for him. So please don't start talking negative about people who have to put their children in day care. The problem isn't the parents who have their kids in day care the problem is the people who are already living off the government and keep having kids so they can get a bigger paycheck. The problem is people are having kids for the wrong reasons now days, or they are too young! Also there is an issue with the fact that parents are allowed to have their children back after they have abused them! It takes way too much for kids to be taken away. There are plenty or warning signs that a child is being abused if someone steps in sooner then a lot of this would be avoided! But don't start in on day care, some of us don't have a luxury of being able to stay at home with our children!!!!!!

I don't think the research was suggesting that there is more abuse now. The article stated:

Last year, a study from four U.S. states showed a clear spike in abusive brain injuries following the financial crash in late 2007, a finding researchers chalked up to the added pressure on parents.

Furthermore, according to the Pew Research Center:

Mothers of newborns are older now than their counterparts were two decades ago. In 1990, teens had a higher share of all births (13%) than did women ages 35 and older (9%). In 2008, the reverse was true -- 10% of births were to teens, compared with 14% to women ages 35 and older.

I work in the field of child welfare investigating reports of child abuse, child neglect, child murder, child sexual abuse. While I respect the opinion of JCA, simply reminding people that abusing children will cause injury does little-no good at all. There are thousands of public service announcements that go out every day and are posted on signs and in flyers distributed to the public. My agency holds seminars and educational meetings in schools and with the public in various forms. The rates of child abuse/neglect continues to increase.

There are no easy or simple answers. Rarely do "one-pronged" approaches help (such as informing parents that child abuse causes injury). It's a multi-faceted problem and, at least in my "neck of the woods", those who fall below the poverty line are seen in higher numbers in our case loads....partly because of the stress that poverty causes otherwise loving and well-meaning parents. The other area where child abuse occurs in higher and higher numbers are among parents who abuse substances (legal-such as prescription drugs and alcohol, and illegal substances).

It really does take a village to raise a child and when those next door neighbors, teachers, doctors, day care providers take the time to realize that we are all, really, mandated reporters and pick up the phone to call that hotline...lives can be saved and are saved. The child welfare agencies are not perfect, we make mistakes, but often we're the last line of defense for the otherwise voiceless and defenseless children you see every day.

cat - until the veil of secrecy, for "privacy", is lifted from the perps - I think it will be hard to stop chronic abusers. Working at a few schools, the poorer the socioeconomics were in the school, the harder the stories of what the kids suffer through.

Let's just stop the charade, and open childrens' homes again - for abused kids. Never thought I'd say that, but it is just getting disgusting. There is no crime in being poor, but if the kids are in an unmanageable situation - remove them.

Lightning Dave- interesting idea, but I doubt our congress would ever pass a bill to pay for an 8 week maternity leave, much less a full year.

I agree with you Dave and ktk1 there is a solution. Work opposite hours of your spouse. That's what I did. I was NOT allowing a day care to raise my son. Pay and have your child molested, beaten, attacked. I think NOT! He is now 21 years old and I can say is he has never been molested, abused or mistreated.

You know what that does to a child's mind? Let alone be brutally beaten or catching an illness as most kids in daycare are sick. ktk1 you are attached to your child?!?

Its called protecting your child. There are other options then daycare, a convience for the parent is all that it is. That to me is selfish.

To those belittling working parents, get over yourselves. Some of us have careers that don't provide odd hours, some of us live in areas with a higher cost of living requiring a two person income, some of us enjoy the fact that our sons and daughters will be able to see us balance a work and home life and can learn from that. Being a stay at home parent is not possible for everyone and staying at home by no means makes you a better parent.

You people who attack parents for putting their children in daycare are complete and utter nincompoops.
First of all, Peggy Jo, not all parents have the option of choosing their work schedules. You'd know that if you had a job better than "Greeter" at Walmart. For that matter not all working moms have a spouse at all to work opposite hours from.
Second of all - they mentioned in the article that these kids were on Medicaid. Most likey this means that they are living on government assistance and not in a proper daycare at all.
Thirdly - I love my child more than anything, we are completely bonded and he's obviously a "momma's boy." He loves "school" and I like that he gets to play with other kids his age 3 days a week while in a clean, safe daycare center with highly qualified teachers who clearly love and care for him in my absence. In addition to learning how to play with others and his ABC's etc. going to daycare has taught him that Mommy always comes back, that he can trust and rely on other adults to take care of him, how to transition from different caretaker styles and how to be more independant. I have no regrets for taking the time to find the best care situation we could afford for him.
So my suggestion would be to stop judging other people's parenting choices. So long as the kids are taken care of and loved, it's none of your buisness.

That was rude to say it was none of your business when this is a public post. Shows your immaturity along with your spelling.. It has left much to be desired. Like your post.

I can see you are an irrational mother. That as well shows your immaturity.

Must be a baby raising a baby : (

Peggy Joe- How many cases of abuse and neglect involve daycare's? As someone who had a in home daycare, many years ago, My friends can tell you that they had excellent care. When we were relocated, I worked in a daycare, for 5 years toddlers, and the parents raved over the care. Please don't make assumptions, and I think it's healthier for the children, to have others to interact with, and for both parents to be on same schedule, and have family dinners etc!

Maybe if you google day care providers and abuse as well as sexual molestation im sure you would come up with a plethora of sick people. Do you really have that much trust in someone who is raising your kid during the day when you are not there??? Seen plenty of shows about daycare and whats going on behind the scene. Why did they make hidden cameras hidden inside stuffed animals? You must feel guilty for leaving your kids behind. Assumption nah.. proven fact and you need to wake up and face the facts. Your feeling guilty while you leave your kids with strangers.

The majority of child abuse takes place within the home. The "nanny-cam" scenarios you describe are mostly for in home help and not a day care setting.

Peggy Jo & OnceAgainIMHO: Ignorance is bliss. Enough said

Peggy Jo, please tell me what color your sky is? How dare you first off question my attachment to my child. Second tell me that it's just that easy to chose the hours I work. My husband is a Dairy Farmer so I don't really see him being able to switch his hours of work seeing how farming is unpredictable. And I need to carry our health insurance. I have a job with full benefits which isn't very easy now days to get. I know your probably thinking that I could just become a liberal and ask for everything to be handed to me. But I have pride I have obligations to helping support my family. My daycare lady is one of the most kind wonderful people I have ever met! NEVER would I allow my child to be in the hands of someone I didn't trust. And just so you know Peggy most of the time child abusers are within ones very family.

You can get so much help for the scars from what happened to you, and you CAN heal. There are many ways to heal and many layers of healing to be done, but you can do it. This doesn't have to define you or your life...I know it doesn't. I wish you the best and I hope you get help on the physical, emotional, and energetic level so you can heal and enjoy life as you deserve.

Time, it is only that way if you allow it to be. My siblings and I managed to stop the cycle simply by being aware (I was a single parent divorced for the entire time I raised mine).

There is a short saying----"Know thyself" if you do then you can act BEFORE you react.

"Time Is Running Out"--I agree with you completely!!!! If all these piece of crap parents who justify hurting their children, thought, for a moment that they would be punished severly for their actions, they may act differently. Unfortunately, they know they won't be caught and even if they do almost noting will happen to them. If you knowingly harm/kill/rape a child, I see no use for you here on this Earth. What could you ever possibly contribute to this life that any of us need??? NOTHING! And, I don't mean that I want my taxes to go to paying their room & board & gym membership, I mean I want them GONE!!! Free, Fast, & Easily! I am a strong believer in 2nd, 3rd, 4th chances, but not if are someoned selfish and sick enough to hurt a sweet, innocent, defenseless child. I have NEVER heard of any child abuser who went on to do great things.

So agree with you. I also think-even though it is a bit communistic, that every person that wants to become a parent should have to take classes and receive a license to raise a child. Why should uneducated people become parents? And when I say uneducated I mean that having a child requires knowledge that we do not come equipped with such as what to do when they get sick, when to call a doctor, how to handle common daily routines that we are unfamiliar with, safety proofing our homes, breastfeeding, child development through the 1st year, etc. Psychology courses should also be given as well as a test to potential parents. Educating all on SIDS, shaken baby syndrome and many other abusive tactics can be eliminated with knowlege. Obtaining a license or a certificate will prove you are responsible and have the background basics to raise a child. Screw basic rights when it comes to life. It is NOT okay to harm a child in any way and in my opinion you give up your rights when you hurt innocent beings.

....ain't like this planet's short on people!

Well, maybe we ought not judge, but when you see a filthy toddler in a shopping cart, and the "parent", such as they are, is verbally abusive in public... kinda hard not to wonder where that's going.

Work in a poor school, see/hear what those kids are going through. Those people are not poor because they were born stupid, they are poor because their lives are a mess - and their kids are just along for the ride. As were their parents, and their parents before... stop the cycle.

Yes, being "white trash" is usually generational..I've seen it plenty of times in the town I live in. Being an abuser does not have to be generational which is why I've said some of the things I did. Not every poor person is an abuser and we'd probably be surprised at how many rich people are abusive to their kids, but when the family looks ok on the outside, we all (meaning society) assume they're a fine upstanding family....surely, nothing like that can be going on.....

Yeah, well, take a look closer sometimes....it happens more than one would think.....

If someone looked at my family, they never would have believed that my brother and I suffered beatings daily....just depending on my alcoholic Mother's mood of the day.....some days we got lucky and all we suffered was her verbal abuse.

YOUR racism is showing JMO2011.

How is stating a simple fact me being racist? I didn't judge anyone - however I made a simple statement based on my experience. Out of everything I wrote, that's all you got out of it? That just shows you're more interested in judging people than anything else. Your stupidity is on ignore.

Yawn, don't like being called out, too bad, but somehow I'm stupid....LOL! You're funny!

Angela - fyi - not everyone has exposure to anything but "white" trash - so their comment will go there. Of course, all ethnicity groups have some element of "trash" - but way to go, bringing out the chip on the shoulder.

Angela - Fool - let me give you the definition of racist: animosity toward other races...Since I'm white and I spoke about "white trash" I'm speaking about my own race. I know lots of people who fall under that catagory and they are some of the nicest people, however, yes, I was raised completely different then they were and yes, when the grandmother, mother and granddaughter all come into my office at the same time and all pretty much act the same, it's safe to say that it's a "generational" problem. Simply stating a fact (and no other comments added) does not make me a racist. And basically I stated "white trash" in response to the description that Cassandra, who knew stated in her posting.

So learn your vocabulary before you start throwing stones.

Snob, maybe - racist - no.

How about we give out free birth control\abortions and make it a felony to have a kid without a license?

How about getting to know our neighbors? How about being more active in our kids' school? How about getting to know our kids friends? How about helping out whenever and wherever we can? How about being there for our neighbors and families in the communities that do need help?

How about we all stop posting rants and raves, shut up and HELP OUR FELLOW HUMANS and stop judging them?????

We can "how about" this topic til the cows come home and it won't solve the problem! We don't need another "war" on anything. We need to be good neighbors, good friends, love, kindness and compassion is definitely a good start!

Many of the at risk kids are uprooted and moved several times a year. That is partly why their educations are spotty and inadequate. One "mother", I use that term loosely, tried to stay a step ahead of the caseworkers, as she did not want to lose her kids. The kids were suffering, and guess what, the 1st grader will be as bat-sh!t crazy as her mother, unless someone somehow intervenes, and probably would take the mother being incarcerated (alcoholic/drugs too) to "rescue" those kids.
In a feeble try to explain the "mother's" behavior, when at one point in this family's disaster, the kiddies stayed with her father (gramps) - he sexually abused the little ones. Wonder why "mother" is a nut case? I don't.

Strange comment. The same organizations that preach against abortion, and yes I know that some should practice what they preach, also argue against child abuse.

Abuse often has nothing to do with frustration. As you said child abuse comes from is either a learned behavior, if your parents abused you are more likely to abuse, or some deviant behavior such sexual abuse.

There would be nothing in a instrution manual that have wouldn't already be known by any parent already. You should not strike a child until seriouly hurt or even killed. This is something that we should be wired to know.

Too many kids, having kids! And they aren't wired to know, that is the problem!

Forcing people to "have" children when they are NOT ready leads to "unwanted children" FACE IT

Jo-An, these people are not forced to have sex with each other. Back up a bit and realize what the real cause and effect is, here. Pregnancy is just a risk you take when you choose to have sex, as contraception is not a 100% guarantee.

Between the media glamorizing rampant sex, and society's eagnerness to legitimize it, we've set a lot of kids up to fail. Just watch Teen Mom.

Jo-An, these people are not forced to have sex with each other.

It's pretty naive to thinks people just "won't have sex" with each other.

Sex has been around for a LONG TIME, and I don't see that changing in the near future!

Set them up with some knowledge AND contraception.

Sticking your head in the sand won't change it either!

Jo-An - yes, sometimes people who were abused become the abusers. This is because of the CHOICE we make as adults.

I was beaten daily by my mother for years. So was my brother.

I am not perfect, but I have made choices as an adult that I am a wife, a mother to 3 children (1 with Autism) I hold a full time job and I go to school. I have made choices in my life to be a better Mom and to handle my life and my children differently than my Mother.

My brother - he does work - when he's not drinking and getting high and when he's not beating his wife and step-daughter.

Why - because he made a CHOICE! He decided to let what happened to him as a kid, affect his entire life! At almost 40 years of age, he still blames my parents for him being a screw up!

It's all about your CHOICE in life!

JM, great comment. Props to you for making the right choices! It's amazing what we can do when we refuse to live under a victim mentality.

Thank you Moodly! I appreciate it! My kids don't even know about my childhood....maybe one day I'll tell them. And yes, you are correct and I can tell you that a long time ago I refused to live my life as the "victim".

I always thought that if me telling my story would help someone else, then it was worth everything I went through - because I represent what a person can have when they shift from victim - to survivor....

It is very sad and awful that some people don't realize that until after the baby is born. They're all excited about being parents until colic is a reality and they're sleep deprived for days.

Good ideas, but might I suggest to start with the new mom and dad in your neighborhood. Bring them dinners, offer to babysit, let them know that you care about them and their baby.

I am a foster mom, it is very hard to have childern in your house who have been abused, just to see DHHR try to get the family back together because it is in the best interest of the child ( bullcrap).

I agree, when I was working and sending my kids to daycare, they were not being properly cared for - not by the daycare workers or by me, as I was always too busy, tired, stressed, angry to be a good, patient, loving mother. All for the almighty dollar! I finally quit my job, though, and due to my current circumstances I am able to stay home with my kids, things are very tough financially, but there is very little stress in my home because i can stay home and care for the family! American system is broken.

Sounds like our current welfare system, which is already overburdened.

Too many dump kids off to a daycare so they can be on with THEIR day.

Remember people, raising your kids is the most important job you will ever do.

Well in my generation we had been told so.

Make sacrifices to stay and care for your children for a couple years until they are in school. We saved up for the first couple years and I took on a night shift job as a press printer. I was the only women there. But they all understood.

My hubby watched at night and I stayed home during the day. Wasn't always easy, but it was right for me and my family.

I agree. I hate sending my kids to day care. Where are you from? Would love to learn more about your country...

Perhaps not "news" but if it pushes people to look into different ways of helping the kids in these situations (foster parenting, CASA Volunteer, mentoring) then something has been accomplished.

I agree that nothing new about this story. The problem is that this even has to be reported. If child abuse was rare then this would truly not be a story.

Disgusted taxpayer said:

If you can't take care of yourself, even, then don't have kids.

What about those children who are sexually abused and get pregnant? They didn't have a choice.

Amanda-2017567 I'd rather they have an abortion than raise a kid without adequate resources or the ability to care for them properly without burdening the rest of society.

Many people who abuse or kill their kids are educated and/or are financially well off.

What about those children who are sexually abused and get pregnant? They didn't have a choice.

Abortion or adoption. Fortunately, I didn't get pregnant.

No child should have to be raised with everyone knowing that grandfather is also father or that uncle is half-brother.

And ad this to all that libby wrote: If you can't handle being a parent, give the baby up for adoption.

So sorry for the life you had to endure as a child and since. No child should have to endure what you and your siblings did. I am also for abortion if that is what a woman chooses. These people who are Pro-life and go on and on about it are nuts. Of course abortion isn't a wonderful thing, but like you said some people should NOT have children and they don't want them! I can't fully support any of the Republicans who are against abortion. It's so stupid and archaic! Women deserve the right to an abortion, it's their body and their life! Again, just wanted to say how sorry for your lot in life you had. How horrible. I hope you are able to have some peace and enjoyment as an adult now even though you went through total hell as a kid. Take care.

I hope too Norm after the horrors of your childhood, you have managed to heal and that for out there that condemn and insist that Planned Parenthood's funding be cut off and these clinics not be operating, pro-choice is NOT pro-abortion. NOBODY is pro abortion and there woman I have met or woman/young girl who has made the decision to abort that already did not give it serious thought before going through with it so these draconian laws states are passing are cruel forcing them to undergo waiting periods, making them have U/S first and PAY for it or read biased literature which is put it out by anti-abortion groups in the facility performing the abortion to "punish her" for her decision or mae her think twice fo what she is doing and the place they're at could be the only place MILES away from where they live making the patient take time and more of her personal expense which could be severely limited already, not to mention depnding on the length of the waiting period imposed on the patient, making the abortion "later in nature" and penalizing her MORE to the point where it may make it TOO LATE to be legal anymore which is just what the anti-abortionists WANT.
One more unwanted child in the world leaving this persn with ANOTHER horrible decision to make: Keep it when it's born or give up for adoption and often, out of guilt upon seeing their own baby, will elect to keep it become an unwilling, totally unprepared parent, emotionally or financially and we've got lose, lose situation here.

There is one more kid who will never get to grow up-never get to go to school-never get to be cool....Neil Young: " Rocking in the Free World"

Sadly Sara, Those a-hole pro-lifers also are against welfare to take care of all those unwanted children. They are always trying to get rid of the social benefits that cover these kids. Sure, I think we do WAY TOO MUCH for the poor, that they end up sticking their hands out, instead of accepting a hand up. But, I don't think CHILDREN ought to be left out in the cold either.

There are way too many people who don't get that having kids is work, a whole other job, that COSTS money and time, and if you're lucky and you do your job right, eventually gives back.

Sara Lee, you said:

These people who are Pro-life and go on and on about it are nuts. Of course abortion isn't a wonderful thing, but like you said some people should NOT have children and they don't want them! I can't fully support any of the Republicans who are against abortion. It's so stupid and archaic! Women deserve the right to an abortion, it's their body and their life!

You admitted that abortion "isn't a wonderful thing." I agree, having witnessed numerous babies fight to their death during abortions. It was then that I realized I couldn't work at the clinic any longer; I couldn't continue telling myself that what I saw was NOT a brutal murder, when my own eyes told me otherwise.

I share your concern against unwanted children being on this earth. It's not fair to them to be here, living a rotten existence, and being a drain on society. But the larger injustice here is that these babies should never have been MADE in the first place. Why do people think it's ok to have sex and then just "oops, guess we'll just kill the baby."

I am not trying to extreme here, but sometimes you have to come face to face with the truth. Abortion is a steep sacrifice for a few minutes of pleasure - in fact, it's downright disgusting.

So you would have preferred to be aborted than be born. If you really have this view, I feel terrible for you.

Moodly, nobody forced you to work in the abortion clinic. I would not want to work in one either. I still believe a woman has rights to her own body. You aren't going to change my mind. Hopefully a woman will use protection and never have to have an abortion. But in the real world some young girls get raped by their own fathers and get pregnant, some women could lose their lives because of health problems if they carry a baby, etc. So, I guess your opinion would be for them to have to carry the baby no matter what! That's CRUEL and "disgusting"! I think forcing a woman to have a baby when she doesn't want it is "disgusting"! Are we going to go back to the times when women died from having abortions because it isn't legal? Really, Moodly you are not very intelligent if you really feel abortion should be illegal. You have no right to tell a woman she CAN'T have an abortion! I would hope a woman would have an abortion as early as possible in her 1st trimester if she can. I will never be anything but pro-choice regardless of what people like yourself say.

Moodly you say it hard to watch a fetus die. Try watching your father
having sex with his children and that child wishing they were dead. What about
being locked up in a stove while being scared and not knowing if you will eat
that day. Or knowing that you let your sister get beaten/raped and being glad/sick
it was not you. You know nothing about the horrors children can live with. Or
you would understand that child gets to point that they kill themselves to end
the real horror. Just so you can say all children should be born. Plus you know
about the 10's of thousands of children left in foster programs because no one
wants them. If you were not up to the task, I can understand. But do not make
it sound like having unwanted children in any way is better thing for them.

Your story is very sad and I'm sorry for what happened to you. But not all doctors are bad. Doctors and nurses identify many cases of child abuse every year that would otherwise go unreported.

And the father?

I remember something in the news, that someone (John Wayne Bobbit?) had impregnated his girlfriend, and then demanded his wife have an abortion because he didn't want to have a baby with her.

Elk- but men have 'needs'. And they are not the ones that get pregnant. So somehow it's ok for men to have sex, but women are just supposed to abstain.

(not sure how that's actually supposed to work out for most people, but whatever...) :)

I would have called the police because of what might have happened to the girl when they got home and the father felt he was out of the public eye.

For those of you parents who hit your children and think I should "mind my own business," I am not scared of your threats. I will risk my safety to protect your child from your abuse. I am watching you...

accountability

@Robert-2241664--First you are making the erroneous assumption that only those with low IQ's or somehow defiencent genetics, (I'd like you to explain the need for genetic testing, since as far as I've read no real genetic support has been found for violence especially in women), are abusing their childern. This isn't true, yes there is more abuse among those recieving medicade, but there is no proof that people on medicade have lower IQs or genetic defiencies. If you've seen such studies please post them. Too many childern raised in poverty work hard in school and find their way out through scholarships, grants and working to become successful contributors to society.

I would say that some type of system as you propose will need to be developed. But so far, for decades now, various courts have always ruled that it is illegal to prevent anyone from having their own children. At any rate, I cannot see how it would be stepping on any courts toes, to mandate parent education classes. At least.

Yeah Robert, why don't we start a program of selective breeding that only favors people with certain physical and socio-economic characteristics that commen sense tells us are in turn associated with certain desirable behavioral traits.

We could require everyone who wants to have children to have these traits, or to live in a segregated part of cities and countries. We'd have to have some easy way of telling the groups apart, of course....I know!......we'll all wear one kind of arm band, and we'll make "them" wear some other kind of arm band or symbol on their sleeve. "They" will of course keep breeding, so eventually the segregated areas will get out of hand and become a risk. We'll have to do something about it. We could build big camps where all the folks who don't rise to your standard can live more safely. We'll even give them some work to do so they don't get bored.

Our current system of government will never support what needs to be done of course, so we'll have to put someone in charge....maybe you, Robert.....who really knows how to get things done and make the big decisions for the rest of us.

Eventually of course, the camps will get too expensive and crowded. We'll have to come up with some kind of "final solution". But I'm sure folks with your initiative would think of something.