The BBC News Service recently released a report, entitled America's Child Death Shame , which highlights America's extreme inability to protect children from abusive caregivers, and notes shocking death statistics (nearly eighteen hundred children in 2009) due to maltreatment. America holds the worst record for child abuse in the industrialized world “ roughly twenty-seven children per week die from physical abuse or neglect.
While the economy is critical for all of us, and upcoming elections ignite passions in many, we all should (must) agree that the issue of child abuse is the single most important issue of our time, and a clear indicator of our status as a nation. If we are unable to protect our most vulnerable citizens, then we are not long for our current position as a world power. Thankfully, child abuse is a preventable epidemic and a reversible trend.
Photo Courtesy of BBCHelp Prevent Child Abuse
Here's what you can do:
¢ Wake Up.
The BBC report highlights several experts who state the issue has grown into an epidemic because our country, as a whole, is still in denial about child abuse in our country. The worst shame of all would be for us to leave our heads in the sand.
¢ Speak Up.
Ask your senators and other government leaders if they ™ve seen the report, and exactly what the plan is to address the problems. Don't forget that they work for you. Once you ™ve done that, you can share your actions through social media, letters to the editor, etc. and ask others to do the same.
¢ Stand Up.
There are multiple people and organizations in our area fighting this fight on a daily basis. Link up with your local Child Welfare Board, C.A.S.A. location, or other Child Advocacy group and ask them what you can do to help. A huge difference can be made by giving just a small portion of your time.
I hope you ™ll start by watching the BBC report, and I hope you are embarrassed by it. I certainly was. I also hope you will join me in telling the world that we are committed to fixing the problem.
Without getting too controversial or political, this problem just highlights our culture’s complete lack of concern for and respect of the dignity of life at all stages. We have forgotten how to care about others. We don’t take time for people outside of our family or circle of friends.
This is sad. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
Without getting too controversial or political, this problem just highlights our culture’s complete lack of concern for and respect of the dignity of life at all stages. We have forgotten how to care about others. We don’t take time for people outside of our family or circle of friends.
This is sad. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.