American Children Dying from Abuse at an Alarming Rate

Newly released child abuse statistics show rise in fatalities.

childhelp.org - June 22, 2009 - Scottsdale, Ariz. /PRAvenueNW/ -- It is a dangerous time to be a child in America according to newly released statistics that report that 1760 children died in the U.S. in 2007 from child abuse and neglect. According to the annual Child Maltreatment Report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the data shows a dramatic increase in deaths due to child abuse and neglect- almost one more child each day.

Since 2003, the average number of children in the U.S. who die each day because of abuse and neglect has been four. According to the report, now five children die each day. Based on a UNICEF report, the United States has rates that are 10-15 times higher than the average for leading countries.

“This new report just confirms that we all need to wake up and give this crisis the attention it deserves,” said John Reid, Executive Director of Childhelp. “Five children die every single day in our country due to abuse and most people don't even realize it. We cannot allow this assault to continue on our children. We must do everything we can to end child abuse now.”

To combat this growing problem, Childhelp is launching a 50 state “End Child Abuse Now” bus tour to raise attention and awareness to the issue. Though the organization has accomplished much and made an impact in the lives of millions of children over the last 50 years, much more needs to be done. Child abuse cases have been increasing across the nation as CPS workers are being laid off during budget cuts and parents struggling with financial problems and venting their frustrations on their children.

“Since 2003, we have witnessed the number of abuse and neglect fatalities for children in our country per day go from three to four and now to five,” continued Reid. “Combine this horrible trend with the current economic downturn, and I am extremely fearful of what that number could be at in the next year to two if we all don't take immediate action.”
Media Note: Childhelp Executive Director, John Reid, is available for media interviews to discuss the rise of child abuse and other related topics, please contact Derrek Hofrichter at 480-922-8212 if interested.

About Childhelp
In 2009, Childhelp commemorates 50 years of bringing the light of hope and healing into the lives of countless children. CEO and Co-Founder Sara O'Meara and President and Co-Founder Yvonne Fedderson started Childhelp in 1959, establishing it as a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect and at-risk children. Childhelp's approach focuses on advocacy, prevention, treatment and community outreach.

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD(R), operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and receives calls from throughout the United States, Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam. Childhelp's programs and services also include residential treatment services; children's advocacy centers; therapeutic foster care; group homes and child abuse prevention, education and training. Childhelp also created the Childhelp National Day of Hope(R), held each April during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, that mobilizes people across America to join the fight against child abuse.
For more information about Childhelp and to learn how to get involved in our 50th anniversary celebration, please call 480-922-8212 or visit www.childhelp.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Derrek Hofrichter
Communications Manager
dhofrichter@childhelp.org
480-922-8212/480-297-8445