Child-abuse numbers on the rise
The number of child-abuse cases is on the rise in Iowa City, ostensibly because of the dismal economy, and that number mirrors a national trend.
In the past four months, three times as many children have been admitted to the UI Children’s Hospital than usual, with hospital officials citing an increase in physical abuse and neglect as major factors.
And the increase isn’t just in Iowa City.
“It is all over the country,” said Resmiye Oral, a UI clinical associate professor of pediatrics. “All child-abuse experts are reporting an increase in child abuse.”
Over the last several years, she has typically dealt with 10 to 12 child-abuse consultations during the first quarter of the year. That number has increased to 45 this year, she said.
Oral, along with national experts, cited the economic crisis as the largest factor contributing to the rise.
“A lack of financial recourses increases the stress level in every family and increases physical abuse,” she said.
To effectively recognize child abuse, Oral recommends looking out for infants seen with bruises and scrapes, toddlers with bruises and burns, and children with numerous bruises covered by clothing.
Iowa received 22,991 reports of suspected child abuse in 2007, according to the state Department of Human Services.
Risk factors for child abuse fall into three different categories: factors related to the child, the parent, and the environment, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, a service for several national government departments.
Children born with special needs, such as those born prematurely or born physically or mentally ill, are at increased risk of child abuse because their special needs typically increase the stress level in families. Children with parents who have mental disorders also increase their risk of abuse, according to the organization.
April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month, and Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, an organization contracted by state Department of Human Services, is bringing out a “Pinwheels for Prevention” public-awareness campaign.
The campaign encourages communities to place toy pinwheels around the area as a reminder for child abuse, said Executive Director Stephen Scott.
“Pinwheels are a symbol for what childhood should be, a positive joyful time, something we are all working for,” he said.
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa has services available for 90 Iowa counties, and its Johnson County programs include parent education programs, respite care for children with disabilities, and smaller community-based child prevention programs.
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