Why is child abuse prevention so important?
Child abuse can happen in any home, in any neighborhood, within any family. According to statistics form the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reporting agencies nationwide received 2.9 million referrals for child abuse and neglect in 2003, and an estimated 1,500 children died from maltreatment. Abused and neglected children do poorly in school, are more likely to become teen parents, and abuse alcohol and drugs. They are more likely to become criminals as adults and to suffer chronic health problems. Most children who are abused bear psychological scars—and in some cases, physical scars—forever.
