April is Child Abuse Awareness Month

Children are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect. Over 3 million reports of child abuse are made every year in the United States; however, those reports can include multiple children. In 2007, approximately 5.8 million children were involved in an estimated 3.2 million child abuse reports and allegations. 

A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.
Almost five children die everyday as a result of child abuse. More than three out of four are under the age of 4.
It is estimated that between 60-85% of child fatalities due to maltreatment are not recorded as such on death certificates.
90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way; 68% are abused by family members.
Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education.
31% percent of women in prison in the United States were abused as children.
Over 60% of people in drug rehabilitation centers report being abused or neglected as a child.
About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.
About 80% of 21 year old that were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder.
The estimated annual cost of child abuse and neglect in the United States for 2007 is $104 billion.
Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy.
Abused teens are 3 times less likely to practice safe sex, putting them at greater risk for STDs.
But, these are faceless statistics. They are not personal. They are, therefore, all but meaningless.

This beautiful little girl is my daughter, Codi. She was a victim of child abuse. Most of you know the story but if you don't, feel free to read it here. Words cannot even begin to express what a person and a family goes through in a situation like this.

I ask you to keep in mind all the voices that can't be heard, the voices that were silenced too soon, the people who cannot tell where those bruises came from because they can't talk yet. If you suspect child abuse, do not be afraid to report it! You could save a life. 1-800-4-A-CHILD.