Prevention is the Only Cure for Child Abuse
By Lee Bultman
Coordinator, Family Intervention Services
MCG Health System

Augusta, Ga. -- Statistics on child abuse shouldn't exist, yet they do. Every day five children die because of child abuse and about 3 million children are reported as abused each year. In Augusta-Richmond County alone, more than 3,000 cases of child abuse are reported each year, and in Georgia, a child is the victim of abuse every 30 seconds.

Our community resources are stretched to the limit. Child Protective Services is underfunded and understaffed, law enforcement is inundated with cases and the court system is backlogged. But there are things we can do to help lower these devastating numbers. During April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the focus is on our children and the action we can take as a community to help prevent this type of violence.

Signs and Symptoms

It's important for teachers, neighbors and other adults to be aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse top the list of types of maltreatment of children. Children in abusive situations may exhibit:

· Unusual injuries or injuries that can't be explained
· Changes in behavior, either acting out or becoming withdrawn
· Difficulty making friends
· Fear of a parent or other adult or fear of going home
· Fatigue, because of trouble sleeping or nightmares
· Sadness

Risk Factors

Seventy-seven percent of child abuse cases involve a parent abusing their own child. Parental risk factors for child abuse include parents who:

· Were abused as children
· Lack skills and knowledge regarding child development
· Have unrealistic expectations of their child
· Are immature
· Are isolated or have low self-esteem
· Have a lack of empathy
· Have a lack of trust
· Are impulsive and disorganized
· Are depressed
· Are abusing substances

What Can You Do?

The most important thing you can do is to become aware and involved. Know the signs of child abuse and be willing to report it to your local Department of Family and Children Services or law enforcement agency. You may have been the only person to notice these signs, and failing to report could have fatal consequences.

There are also numerous volunteer opportunities available. Did you know that there are only 60 approved homes in Richmond County for the more than 375 children who are in foster care? Sign up to become a foster parent by calling your local Department of Family and Children Services. In addition, volunteers can act as advocates for children during court proceedings or assist with local agencies who work with abused children.

Child abuse is not just one family's problem; it's a community's problem. We all should be willing to act to protect our children. If we fail our children, we fail our future.

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.

Note to editors: Lee Bultman is coordinator of Family Intervention Services, MCG Health System's program for abuse and neglect victims, and former chair of the Richmond County Child Abuse Protocol and Child Fatality Review Committees.