Kentucky continues to see a rise in child abuse.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau “Child Maltreatment 2016” report — released in 2018 — shows a jump in abuse cases. The commonwealth reported 20,000 victims (18,900 in the 2015 report), or about 20 out of every 1,000 children. That rate is double the national average.
“This is troubling news,” said Erin Frazier, M.D., pediatrician and chair of the Partnership to Eliminate Child Abuse, which is led by Norton Children’s Hospital. “We’re hoping the increase in cases means more people are recognizing the signs of abuse and reporting them. But it’s clear that we, as a society, have a lot of work to do.”
The study also shows 15 Kentucky children died as the result of abuse, which is a slight improvement from 16 fatalities the previous year.
Here’s how the state stacks up to the rest of the country:
“Many factors go into child abuse,” Dr. Frazier said. “Just like the opioid epidemic, abuse happens among all ages, races and income levels.”
“Abuse is 100 percent preventable,” said Kelly L. Dauk, M.D., chair of the Norton Children’s Hospital Child Abuse Task Force and pediatrician with University of Louisville Physicians. “We need to continue to educate how to not only identify abuse but also how to prevent a child from being put in potentially dangerous situations.”
Here are some simple ways parents and bystanders can make a lifesaving difference:
Keep a list of friends’ and family members’ phone numbers to call for support.
Learn the TEN-4 bruising rule: Children under age four should not have bruising on the torso, ears or neck. Infants who are not mobile rarely have any bruises.
If you know a parent who may be feeling stressed, offer to babysit so he or she can have a break for an hour or two.
Offer to run an errand for a neighbor with small children who has difficulty getting out of the house. A small gesture like that can greatly reduce stress for the parent.
If you see someone about to raise a hand to a child, you can help the situation. Even saying something like, “I remember when my child acted like that,” can break the tension and protect the child.
More ideas are available at DontHurtChildren.com.
In Kentucky, the number to call to report suspected child abuse is 877-KY-SAFE1 (597-2331). In Indiana, call 800-800-5556. The National Child Abuse Hotline, 800-4-A-CHILD (422-4453), offers professional crisis counselors who can provide intervention, information and referrals to emergency, social service and support resources. Calls are confidential.
From Norton Children’s Hospital
