In a recent article in The Associated Press, Dr. Rachel Berger of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburg confirmed that the current recession has led to an increase in child abuse. Since the beginning of the recession, cases of abusive head trauma like shaken baby syndrome have increased by 65 percent.

The studies conducted that confirm this link were centered around low-income families, in which children already face greater risks of abuse. Though many of the families studied were poor before the recession began, social welfare professor Mark Rank feels Berger’s study correlates with research linking violence with declines in economic well-being. He says, “as poverty goes up and economic stagnation continues...there are really human costs involved.”

Dr. Peter Sherman of the residency program in social pediatrics at Montefiore Medical Center in New York says that most parents who abuse young children do not mean harm, but the added stress of the poor economy simply causes them to snap. He also says that pediatricians can help prevent child abuse by asking families about financial difficulties and referring them to social services agencies.

As Savvy Auntie previously stated, we believe this is something we can take upon ourselves to do, as well. If you notice the parents of your nieces and nephews struggling, ask them about it. Sometimes venting is enough to help. Offer to babysit, and let them know that you will always help them if they are in a bind.

Published: September 20, 2011