Child abuse is reported on an average of every 10 seconds and three children die every day as a result of such abuse. Sadly, Colorado has one of the highest rates of child abuse in the country. According to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, homicide is the second leading cause of injury deaths for children under age 5 in Colorado. 34 children under age 5 died of child abuse in 2004 and 2005. Further compounding the problem, Colorado’s state funding to help battle child abuse ranks among the lowest in the nation.
Child abuse and neglect is reaching epidemic proportions with disastrous consequences. Judges, lawyers, physicians and other community professionals agree that tax dollars would be best spent preventing abuse and preserving families. Unfortunately, adequate resources have not been invested by state and Federal government to make significant prevention possible. One problem is that on both these levels the political constituency necessary to meet the needs of children has not been organized..
In 2005, apporoximately 30,000 children were reported abused or neglected and referred for investigation in Colorado.
Out of that number, nearly 9,000 cases were substantiated or indicated as abused. Twenty-one percent suffered physical abuse, 46.6% neglect, 1.4% medical neglect, 11.5% sexual abuse, 5% psychological maltreatment and 18% other or unknown.
Boys and girls are equally likely to be abused or neglected.
Approximately 80% of child abuse is perpetrated by a parent or caregiver.
An average of 20 children in Colorado die from suspected abuse or neglect every year.
Children under the age of 4 account for 75% of all child abuse deaths.
Neglect occurs more frequently than abuse and can be equally damaging and deadly. 30% of all child fatalities are due to neglect.
11,927 children spent some portion of 2005 in substitute (foster) care .
Approximately 1,500 abused and neglected children receive intensive, rehabilitative mential health services in residential programs.
The majority of children in residential care have been victims of significant physical or sexual abuse.
In 2005, apporoximately 30,000 children were reported abused or neglected and referred for investigation in Colorado.
Out of that number, nearly 9,000 cases were substantiated or indicated as abused. Twenty-one percent suffered physical abuse, 46.6% neglect, 1.4% medical neglect, 11.5% sexual abuse, 5% psychological maltreatment and 18% other or unknown.
Boys and girls are equally likely to be abused or neglected.
Approximately 80% of child abuse is perpetrated by a parent or caregiver.
An average of 20 children in Colorado die from suspected abuse or neglect every year.
Children under the age of 4 account for 75% of all child abuse deaths.
Neglect occurs more frequently than abuse and can be equally damaging and deadly. 30% of all child fatalities are due to neglect.
11,927 children spent some portion of 2005 in substitute (foster) care .
Approximately 1,500 abused and neglected children receive intensive, rehabilitative mential health services in residential programs.
The majority of children in residential care have been victims of significant physical or sexual abuse.
2 comments:
This is a "sujet d'actualité" which unfortunately is becoming more and more frequent in our newspapers...
However, it shouldnt remain a tabou in Mauritius!
nice topic, keep it up!
I heard a story on the news about a step father chopping the fingers of a toddler. It's cruel and immoral.
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