These are two of the five deaths doctors at Children's Hospital Central California have witnessed in just the last month. Fourteen children in the Central Valley have died from child abuse this last year.
More than 500 cases of child abuse have come through the doors every year.
Children's Hospital E-R doctor Kala Parker said half of all abuse is directed toward children under two. "They don't have a voice and people realize that. They say, 'Oh, I can't get in trouble because the child can't tell on me.' And then it happens again and again."
Dr. Parker and others at Children's Hospital are trying to get the word out, especially during this holiday season and in a tough economy, child abuse is preventable. Child Advocate Leanne Kozub says, "A lot of the fatalities are usually that instantaneous snap of not being able to cope... being stressed and not being able to step back."
Kozub coordinates the child advocacy program at the hospital. She wants parents to know that while they should love and protect their children, they don't always have to "like" their children and when parents gets stressed, they should ask for help. Or friends and family can offer to help. She said, "If it a situation where maybe it's at school or someone you might have an encounter with at another time just offering a helping hand. 'I see you're a little stressed out... do you need some assistance?'"
If you need to report a concern or have more questions regarding child abuse,call Child Protective Services Hotline (559) 255-8320
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
abc30 News Links:
Links to other news sections on our website.
- HomePage
- Top Headlines
- Fresno Local News
- State News
- National/World News
- Entertainment News
- Business News
- Politics News
- Sports News
- Health Watch
- Consumer Watch
- Mr. Food
Breaking News Alerts:
Click Here to Sign-Up for Breaking News E-Mail Alerts
Receive Breaking News alerts in your email inbox.
Click Here to Sign-Up for Text Message Alerts
Receive Breaking News alerts right on your cell phone.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
