Phoenix Children's Hospital leads the "Children's March on Child Abuse"
Each day, at least four U.S. children die as a result of child abuse in the home. Last year, 60 children in Arizona died from child abuse incidents.
This complex problem generally is caused by a combination of individual and environmental factors. While most abuse does not result in fatalities, a number of other serious problems are often caused by the maltreatment of children. In addition to physical and emotional pain, the after effects of abuse include school problems, teenage runaways, teen pregnancy, prostitution, drug and alcohol abuse, juvenile delinquency, and an ongoing cycle of family violence.
Last year, Phoenix Children's physicians and staff evaluated 393 cases of neglect and abuse, 150 physical abuse cases, 189 cases of neglect and 104 substance exposed newborns. Nine of these children died.
April is Child Abuse Prevention month
On March 31st, Phoenix Children's Hospital and child abuse prevention advocates from across the Valley gathered at the Hospital's main entrance to show their dedication to keeping these victims' memories alive and preventing harm to other children at the "Children's March on Child Abuse."
At the event, officials presented children's shoes commemorating the death or disability of victims of child abuse. Phoenix Children's medical staff, Valley families, caregivers, paramedics, fire and police officers, families and friends also donated shoes, along with a letter, note, or poem in honor or memory of an abused child.
The shoes donated to the "Children's March on Child Abuse" will be displayed at Phoenix Children's throughout April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month. At the conclusion of the month, the shoes will be donated to Crisis Nursery.
Phoenix Children's Child Abuse Prevention programs
The Shaken Baby Prevention Project
Reaching 20,000 parents each year, the Shaken Baby Prevention Project provides new and expectant parents, the general public, and healthcare providers with information about the dangers of shaking babies, including tips for calming a crying baby (since most shaking incidents are precipitated by inconsolable crying), and ways to cope with parental stress.
Project S.A.F.E.
Project S.A.F.E. (Supporting a Family-Friendly Environment) is a child abuse prevention training program that teaches individuals – from health care professionals to retail workers – how to effectively model appropriate behavior and intervene in potentially abusive situations.
Stewards of Children Child Sexual Abuse Prevention
The Stewards of Children training program is a revolutionary child sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse and motivates them to courageous action.
Learn more about our programs.
Contact us:
For more information about these programs, please call (602) 546-3351.
