Child abuse drops sharply in U.S.

[foxfeet]

Study: Incidents declined by 26 percent from 1993 to 2006

updated 49 minutes ago
NEW YORK - A massive new federal study has found a significant decrease in serious child abuse in America.

Incidents of serious child abuse have dropped by 26 percent between 1993 and 2006. The biggest drop — 38 percent — was for sexual abuse. Other physical abuse dropped by 15 percent.

Experts are hailing the findings as proof that public awareness campaigns and tougher law enforcement efforts had made headway.

more at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35205114/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/


Good news, if accurate.

[Political Heretic]

1. That's wonderful news, if accurate (as you say)

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

2. That's certainly good to hear.

I remember some horrific cases from the 70's and 80's. 20+ years later I still remember them.

[Frosty1]

3. This study was done in 2004

I'm not sure I believe any reports that came out of that era. They were looking for ways to justify the budget cuts.

One curious aspect of the study was the manner of its release. Although HHS had launched the study in 2004 and invested several million dollars, it was posted a few days ago on the Internet with no fanfare — neither a press release nor a news conference. Finkelhor, noting that experts in the field had been impatiently awaiting the study, described this low-profile approach as "shocking."

The study does not cover the recent period in which the United States plunged into a recession, prompting some reports of increased domestic violence and abuse in hard-off families.

[foxfeet]

4. Ample reason to be mistrustful.

[WhiteTara]

5. why don't I believe this?

It sounds great, but I don't think the reality is the same as this study.

[Brickbat]

6. Is it made clear that it's actually abuse that has dropped? Or is it REPORTS of abuse, because

social services/agencies have been slashed?