Children across the country are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect. Every year, over 3 million reports of child abuse and neglect are reported in the United States.
“The national numbers are far greater than the child abuse cases in Christian County, but it does exist. Of the more than 21,000 children living in Christian County in 2010, nearly 900 were abused and/or neglected,” said Renette Wardlow, human development specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

Those statistics are according to the 2010 Missouri Kids Count Data Book.

Child abuse consequences are not only damaging, but also costly. The National Child Abuse Statistics report shows that abused children are 25 percent more likely to experience teen pregnancy and are far more likely to contract an STD than are teens that have not been abused.

“An alarming 60 percent of people in drug rehabilitation centers report being abused or neglected as a child. Of all abused children, 30 percent will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse,” said Wardlow.

Children who experience child abuse and neglect are 59 percent more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28 percent more likely to be arrested as an adult, and 30 percent more likely to commit violent crime.

“These numbers are startling when considering the impact on already limited state, county and local budgets for law enforcement. Jails across the country are filled with young adults who at one time were victims of child abuse. It is a situation that could be prevented by better protecting young children,” said Wardlow.

Wardlow says the number of children who are abused and neglected will not decline without major efforts by federal, state and local officials to reduce poverty, prevent and treat substance abuse, educate new parents on basic child development and parenting skills, and encourage communities to support children and families.

Fourteen percent of children living in Christian County live in poverty and nearly 19 percent of all homes are single parent homes.

“If you witness or suspect that a child is a victim of abuse you must help. There are various programs in Missouri that offer assistance to both parents and children who are in violent situations,” said Wardlow.

Reports of abuse should be made to the state’s toll free hotline number (800-392-3738).

For more information, contact either of MU Extension’s human development specialists in southwest Missouri: Renette Wardlow at (417)

581-3558 or Dr. Jim Wirth, (417) 881-8909.

 

   

 

 

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