What You Can Do to Prevent Child Abuse

Three American youths die each day from child abuse or neglect, according to the federal government. And each year, investigators confirm the mistreatment of more than 800,000 children.

Child abuse can happen in any family and in any neighborhood, according to Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA). Studies have shown that child abuse crosses all boundaries of income, race, ethnic heritage and religious faith. The incidence is higher, however, in families in which the parents are younger than 30; high school dropouts or lack a high school diploma; below the poverty level or financially stressed; stressed because of a loss of job or home; or have a history of intergenerational abuse, alcohol or substance abuse problems, or spouse abuse.

Halting abuse

PCAA offers these tips for stopping child abuse:

• Understand your children. Learn how kids behave and what they can do at different ages. Have realistic expectations and be reasonable if children fall short.

• Keep your children healthy. Denying children food, sleep or health care is abuse by neglect.

• Get help with alcohol or drug problems. Keep children away from anyone who abuses those substances.

• Watch your words. Angry or punishing language can leave scars for a lifetime.

• Get control of yourself before disciplining a child. Set clear rules so the child knows what to expect. Avoid physical punishment.

• Take a timeout. Stop if you begin to act out frustration or other emotions physically. Find someone to talk with or watch your kids while you take a walk.

• Make your home a violence-free zone. Turn off violent TV shows and don't let kids stay under the same roof with an abusive adult.

Remember that child abuse often repeats itself in the next generation. By doing what you can to prevent it today, you can help save children's lives far into the future, says the PCAA.

Who is at risk?

State agencies around the country cite these reasons for child abuse, PCAA notes:

• Substance abuse by one or more parents. In fact, 85 percent of state agencies named substance abuse as the problem cited most often in families reported for maltreatment.

• Domestic violence. Abuse of adults in the home often extends to children.

• Poverty and other economic strain.

• Parental capacity and skill. Demands of large families, single parenthood or new babies can overwhelm parents.