National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Commentary follows the statistics.

Abuse Facts - Confirmed
2003 Texas www.preventchildabusetexas.org
Physical abuse: 36,606

Sexual abuse: 7,473

Abandonment: 420

Medical neglect: 2,371

Physical neglect: 7,198

Neglectful Supervision: 26,398

Refusal to accept parental responsibility: 845

Emotional abuse: 1067

Total Physical Abuse:
60-70% of abused children suffers bruises and welts 15-20% incurs skeletal injury.

25-30% of cases involves brain or neuromotor dysfunction

Social Abuse:
50% of runaway youth have been physically abused and an even greater percentage have been sexually abused.

60% of prostitutes have been sexually abused as children.

65% of prison inmates at the Ferguson Unit (TDC) have been abused as children.

90% of convicted murderers were physically abused as children.

Emotional and Psychological:
50% abused children have school related problems.

22% suffer learning disorders requiring special education.

60-80% of adult drug or alcohol abusers have a history of child abuse.

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People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10: 13-16

Abused children are abused by abusers who were abused. It does not take a Ph.D in Child Psychology to figure that one out. If an abused child does not become an abusive adult, they become an abused adult. There are exceptions, but too few.

What can be done about child abuse? Think about the following questions:

When was the last time you heard a message from a church pulpit that at least mentioned child abuse?

What is the most common thought when a person suspects a child is being abused?

What have you done to prevent child abuse?

Today begins National Child Abuse Prevention month. Maybe one place to start would be to tell someone, "Did you know that April is National Child Abuse Prevention month?"