America's child death shame

[dipsydoodle]

Every five hours a child dies from abuse or neglect in the US.

The latest government figures show an estimated 1,770 children were killed as a result of maltreatment in 2009.

A recent congressional report concludes the real number could be nearer 2,500.

In fact, America has the worst child abuse record in the industrialised world. Why? The BBC's Natalia Antelava investigates.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15288865

[get the red out]

1. Every week on my local news

It seems that there is a child killed or horribly injured by abuse.

[emilyg]

3. Same here.

[d_r]

2. This is a really well done presentation.

[ehrnst]

4. Yes, we're so "Pro-Life" here.

:sarcasm:

[Stuart G]

5. saddest of all facts about U.S nt.

[Jefferson23]

6. Highly recommend. It is not surprising the advice comes down to INVESTING in society at large.

snip* Many believe home visits to new parents by qualified health professionals, preparing them for the difficulties of family life, are key to that strategy.

Because: snip* Abused children are 74 times more likely to commit crimes against others and six times more likely to maltreat their own children, according to the Texas Association for the Protection of Children.

For this reason, experts believe it is in the US government's as well as society's interest to ensure children are protected from abuse. Each and every citizen, they say, has a responsibility to help break this cycle of violence.

Words just fail.

Four year old Emma:
Emma Thompson was just four years old when she was beaten to death in 2009. Her injuries included broken ribs, a bloodied lip, widespread bruising and a fractured skull. She had also been raped.

Her mother and her mother's partner have been jailed over the abuse. But Emma's father, Ben, believes his daughter was let down by everyone around her.

[Skittles]

7. you'll never hear "pro-lifers" talk about this

[Politicalboi]

8. After seeing the video last night

Of the 3 year old getting run over not by one car but 2 in China, and the boys who either rode their bikes by or walked by and ignored the child was something I still can't believe. I would think child abuse would be higher (especially with girls) in China.

[Name removed]

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