According to officials in multiple states that suffered increases in instances of child abuse while simultaneously seeing higher unemployment rates, the answer is believed to be yes. The most recent state expressing concern is Florida: according to Fox News, approximately 200 children died from abuse in Florida in 2008, which is about 20 percent more than the statistic from 2007. According to experts, the "sour economy" contributed to the rise in child abuse cases, specifically those of shaken baby syndrome. In 2008, the unemployment rate in Florida jumped from 4.1 % to 6.2 %, meaning that approximately 339,600 jobs were lost. The link? The most common abusers are unemployed men (between the ages of 18 and 30) who watch children while the mother is at work. With more unemployment came more cases of shaken baby syndrome and other types of abuse. Among the most common triggers of abuse are crying, feeding, and toilet training, often triggers that lead to a caregiver shaking a baby. For these unemployed, non-biological males, the lack of parenting knowledge and skills results in frustration and the inability to cope with common infant actions like crying.
As a shaken baby syndrome attorney and father of two, Chris Keane works as an advocate for victims of child abuse. Although nothing can compensate for the tragic and indescribably difficult loss of a child, certain measures can be taken to help surviving family members as they go through the grieving process. For more information on shaken baby syndrome, wrongful death, and how you can receive free help during your time of need, contact Chris Keane of the Keane Law Firm.
You may contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).
