Is the Rise in Child Abuse Cases Linked to the Recession ?
An increase in child abuse is linked with the recent recession according to new research in the field. Dr. Rachel Berger of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh said the results of her research confirmed reports from pediatricians who have seen an increase in shaken baby cases and other forms of brain-injuring child abuse .
Combine the stress of raising a young child with wage cuts or lost jobs and you get "a sort of toxic brew in terms of thinking about possible physical violence," said Mark Rank, a social welfare professor at Washington University in St. Louis. He said the study echoes sociological research linking violence with declines in economic well-being.
It is interesting to note that violent crimes have decreased in 2010. The question is whether these parents are equipped to handle a newborn and the stark reality of this economy.
