Studer Community Institute

Let's talk about preventing child abuse

October 31, 2014
/ Reggie Dogan
/ early-learning

Shaken baby syndrome, a form of abusive head trauma, is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Milton daycare owner accused of causing the death of a child who reportedly was violently shaken put a spotlight on child abuse in our community. Thelma Denise Lowery, 55, remains in Santa Rosa County Jail without bond after the 15-month-old baby spent several days in the hospital in critical condition before he died of injuries on Wednesday. Lowery is charged with aggravated child abuse leading to death based on accusations that she violently shook the baby on Oct. 24 in her home daycare. Child abuse rose to the forefront in September after NFL standout Adrian Peterson was suspended and later indicted for negligent or reckless injury after severely whipping his child with a switch. The Milton incident brings the issue to center stage here at home. The facts surrounding that case won’t be revealed unless the case goes to court before a jury. But research shows that shaken baby syndrome most often results from crying or other factors that may trigger the person caring for the baby to become frustrated or angry. It should be a given that child abuse in any form is unacceptable and preventable. And everyone, from family members to caregivers, can do something to stop it. Stacey Kostevicki, director of the Gulf Coast Kid’s House, said the simplest means of prevention is to talk about it. “Too often we are so careful not discuss it to not upset the children,” Kostevicki said. “If people don’t talk about it, it can lead to a lot of confusion and victimization down the road.” The Gulf Coast Kid’s House, founded in 1998, is the perfect place to start and continue talking about child abuse. The Kid’s House is a children’s advocacy center serving Pensacola and Escambia County. In 2008, Santa Rosa Kids House opened with a similar mission. As a “one-stop service center,” the Kid’s House combines all professionals, resources and advocacy groups under one roof for intervention, investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases. Child victims also can receive mental health counseling at the center. The goal is to create a place where people can meet and speak freely, which can improve case outcomes and reduce trauma to the children and families. Even though it not often talked about, child abuse is prevalent in Escambia County, Kostevicki said. Between 4,300 and 4,500 cases are reported a year, she said. Of those, they see more than 2,000 of the most egregious cases, she said. To meet increasing needs, the Kid’s House is in the midst of a $1 million expansion. The 3,000-square-foot expansion is expected to be complete in 2015 to help serve more children and families and provide even better services. The ultimate goal, however, is prevention altogether. Any intentional harm or mistreatment to a child under 18 years old is considered child abuse. It can take many forms that often occur at the same time. The reasons people abuse children vary, but the stress of living in poverty and joblessness are two common causes, Kostevicki said. Kostevicki believes the key to preventing child abuse is providing more information and better education. “The biggest thing we encourage is to seek treatment,” she said. “We offer a wide variety of child abuse training. We want to spread the word and stop this violence.”

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Let's talk about preventing child abuse

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