By Kathryn Wells

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, which provides us the opportunity to take a hard look at something that affects every segment of our society. It permeates all ethnic and socioeconomic groups throughout every corner of the world.

Sadly, Colorado is not immune from this problem, with more than 120,000 referrals in 2004; 9,600 of which were substantiated as victims of child abuse and neglect, according to the U. S. Department of Health.

The Health Department’s 2004 Human Services National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System reported more than 2,872,000 victims of child abuse and neglect. Of these cases, more than 60 percent of the children were identified as victims of neglect, 18 percent were physically abused, 10 percent were sexually abused and seven percent were emotionally maltreated.

The most tragic consequences of child abuse and neglect are child fatalities. Every year about 1,500 children nationally, and 35 to 40 children in Colorado, die as the result of child abuse or neglect. This is about the same number of children that die each year from cancer.

In fact, child abuse was the leading cause of all trauma deaths at The Children’s Hospital in Denver in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. More children died of abuse than in accidental events, such as motor vehicle crashes or falls.

Improved public awareness can play a critical role in transforming the future for children. The more that we understand the factors that contribute to these situations, the better equipped society will be to change the future for many children. Much of this change begins in the home. Assuring that homes are safe and secure for our children is paramount. Children need environments that are nurturing and contain loving actions and words.

It is critical for parents to anticipate challenging times by creating plans for dealing with inevitable situations. It is important to establish a list of safe alternative care caregivers for those times when a parent may be overwhelmed. Also, parents and caregivers must realize that it is acceptable to take a break from a crying child if needed, especially once they are sure any immediate needs have been met.

Homes affected by domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse and untreated mental illness are at a greater risk for child abuse and neglect. If relatives, neighbors, friends or members of the public identify families struggling with any of these issues it is important to work to support them by encouraging the family to seek help for these issues.

Additionally, if someone believes that a child is being abused or neglected, is important that they quickly contact the appropriate authorities in order to avoid a potentially tragic situation.

Anyone can file a report with their local Department of Human Services or Police Department who will then investigate the situation thoroughly and provide intervention and/or services as appropriate.

We all need to work together to break the devastating cycle of child abuse and neglect in order to improve the future for our children, our families, and our communities.

Editor’s note: Kathryn Wells, M.D., practices at the Family Crisis Center at Denver Health. There are many resources available where the public can get more information on child abuse, including www.dontshakeababy.com, www.preventchildabuse.org, and www.childwelfare.gov.