Child abuse rising in Fort Worth amid coronavirus. Here’s what you can do to help
As pediatricians, we are aware of the enormous pressures that the COVID-19 pandemic is placing on families.
No other health emergency in our lifetimes has so significantly altered the lives of every single caregiver and child in the state — disrupting daily routines, parents’ abilities to work, access to medical and other services, and much-needed social connections.
It appears to have led to alarming increases in domestic violence and, as reported by Cook Children’s, a spike in severe child abuse. We must take action to head off a crisis.
For many, the social distancing required to flatten the virus transmission curve has led to stress. Caregivers are meeting work demands while also tending to infants, potty training toddlers and coordinating homework of school-age children.
Loss of lifelines to social connections can be especially overwhelming for families struggling with mental illness or drug or alcohol addiction. With limited access to healthcare and the closures of schools and child-care facilities, early identification and intervention with preventive measures to keep families safe may also be lost.
So far in 2020, four children have died as a result of injuries related to child abuse, with three of those deaths occurring within four weeks of one another. To put that in perspective, Cook Children’s physicians saw a total of four deaths from child abuse in all of 2017, six in 2018 and six in 2019.
Beyond these numbers are countless stories, such as the mother relying on neighbors for infant formula or young children watching younger siblings while a sick parent recovers from a suspected COVID-19 infection.
If we stand by silently, the consequences could be devastating to entire families, especially children. Society recognizes that children need safe and nurturing relationships to thrive. We can act quickly to prevent child abuse and neglect by providing support to parents and caregivers.
We know children who feel connected and safe cope better with stress. These resilience factors protect children from developing physical and mental health issues and can improve behavior.
Pediatricians, friends and family members can offer tips to parents when they feel overwhelmed.
Suggest that they take deep breaths and count to 10, or leave the room, or call a friend or loved one. Encourage them to take walks with their children, exercise, enjoy playtime and simplify routines.
Some caregivers need basics such as food, shelter, safety and health care. We can offer resources and other help, including 211, helpandhope.org, the Texas COVID-19 Mental Health Hotline, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, the Texas Youth Hotline and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233.)
Health professionals can ask parents how they are feeling and what resources they need. Some caregivers need suggestions on how to soothe a crying infant or deal with the frustration of managing a fussy preschooler. The American Academy of Pediatrics has some helpful guidance at healthychildren.org. Employers also can be flexible about work expectations during this time of crisis.
Parents love their children and want the best for them. We have an opportunity to ensure that today’s children grow up safe and healthy despite the social and economic pressures triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The coronavirus — which has necessitated social distancing and heightened social and economic pressures — has unraveled some of the threads in our social fabric. But just as Texans have rallied during other difficult times, we can rally again and weave those threads back together again.