EDUCATION HELPS REDUCE CHILD ABUSE

There is perhaps nothing more despicable in the world of crime than the abuse and neglect of children. But it certainly is not an outrage limited to unknown pedophiles. Far too often it is parents or other relatives who inflict the abuse or neglect. And it is not a crime limited to big cities or faraway places.

Southeast Missouri and Cape Girardeau have had more than their fair share of gruesome child-abuse cases. Several children have died at the hand of family members or supposed family friends.

In Southeast Missouri, there were more than 4,400 incidents of child abuse and neglect in 1997. In Cape Girardeau County alone, there were 452 cases involving 637 children.

Nationally, more than 1 million children are victims of child abuse and neglect. Sadly, nearly 1,000 children die each year from abuse or neglect, most under the age of 3.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month -- a perfect opportunity to stop and take stock of our children and the youngsters of the region and world.

Prevention begins with education. Neglect and abuse are not always easy to spot until a child is severely injured.

It is important to educate parents as well about their expectations of children. Too often, their demands of young children don't meet reality.

In Missouri, 70 percent of all child-abuse fatalities were children 5 years old or younger. Nationwide, 77 percent of children who die are age 5 and under. Again, unrealistic expectations may figure heavily into this startling statistic.

Parenting is certainly one of the most important tasks a father or mother undertakes. But many people are ill-prepared and ill-equipped for the task.

That is why many people use their own parents as a role model. When the home life was a happy one, the model works. But far too often children who were abused continue that cycle of abuse with their own offspring.

Substance abuse also escalates abuse and neglect at home. It is estimated that more than half of all substantiated child abuse cases involve some degree of substance abuse.

A number of ongoing local efforts are working to combat child abuse and neglect, both in professional settings and by civic organizations. The Exchange Club of Cape Girardeau has worked to elevate awareness of child abuse, concentrating its efforts this year on the Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Everyone play a part to help protect children. Through education and heightened awareness of child abuse and neglect, children's lives can be saved and improved.