A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families. Every year, 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving nearly 6 million children (a report can include multiple children). The United States has the worst record in the industrialized nation—losing five children every day due to abuse-related deaths. In honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month in April, Cooper is partnering with Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey’s “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign to recognize and educate our community on child neglect.
“When I meet children and their families I listen to their stories,” said Kathryn M. McCans, MD, pediatric emergency medicine and child abuse specialist. “The children relate experiences that no child should encounter. They have suffered from sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and/or neglect. The caretakers, mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts and uncles relate stories of being overwhelmed by what has transpired. They are fearful of what happens next. The non-offending caretaker is also a victim. Their trust in a family member has been violated. Too often, the caretakers suffered similarly as a child.”
Dr. McCans goes on to say, “We must be willing to call attention to the plight of the children in our lives. If we witness aggression against a child, morally and ethically, we must intervene on that child’s behalf. We must change our interventions from being reactionary to protection and support to prevent the abuse from ever occurring. We will need to address not just the ‘who did it’ but the ‘why did it’ to ever get to that point.”
On Monday, April 8, Cooper employees brought awareness to the epidemic of child abuse and neglect by hosting a “Planting Pinwheels” event on the front lawn of the Roberts Pavilion. Prevent Child Abuse America’s Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign is an effort created to change the way our nation thinks about prevention and how we can deliver on our commitment to America’s children. The blue pinwheels are the new symbol for child abuse and are an uplifting reminder of childhood and the bright futures all children deserve. Throughout the entire month of April, Cooper will also light the hospital in blue to encourage others to get involved and make a difference in our children’s lives.
“Through this event we wanted to celebrate the lives of our young children who have endless possibilities ahead of them,” said Dr. McCans. “It is our responsibility to protect them and lead them in the right direction to a bright, successful future.”