Child abuse in Kentucky increases, experts offer tips on preventing maltreatment

By Staff Writer

Law enforcement officials from Kentucky said they are seeing more child abuse cases and feel that many more are not being reported, according to Fox News affliate WDRB.

Experts from local child advocacy agencies told the news source that as the unemployment rate increases, domestic violence and child abuse also rise. They added that the state is currently experiencing a high rates of joblessness and when coupled with many families suffering from financial instability have made people stressed.

Furthermore, they added that stress often starts at the moment a child is born and can build over time. Experts say that shaken baby syndrome can have immediate negative effects such as swelling of the brain and oxygen deprivation, which can lead to seizures, vomiting and altered breathing.

Investigators are urging friends and families to be on a lookout for signs of maltreatment such as bruises on the ears, neck and torso. Furthermore, they are offering helpful tips to those who contemplate abusing their child such as calling a loved one to come and take them out of the situation and seek immediate professional assistance.

A 2009 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that nearly 6 million children were allegedly maltreated.