For Immediate Release: 4.9.08

Naples, FL – The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is joining individuals and organizations across the country to bring attention to the need for ensuring the safety and welfare of children as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April.

According to Shelter Children’s Counselor/Advocate Jaime Crossan-DeBres, “The cost in dollars alone for child neglect and abuse in this country is $24 billion each year; add in costs for special education, healthcare, mental health, lost productivity, etc., and this number jumps to $94 billion.”

Unfortunately, according to the US Department of Justice, up to 10 million children each year experience domestic violence, a significant predictor of a child’s future violent behavior. Additionally, the Child Welfare Information Gateway notes that during 2004 alone, some three million reports were made to child protective services about the safety and well-being of more than 5.5 million children.

Moreover, research indicates that:

• Men who witnessed domestic violence as children are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children than those who did not witness domestic violence (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
• 40-60% of men who abuse their female partner also abuse their children (NCVRW Resource Guide National Crime Victims Awareness)
• In homes where partner abuse occurs, children are 1,500 times more likely to be abused (American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence)
• Fathers who batter the mothers of their children are twice as likely to seek sole custody of their children, using child custody as a forum for further abuse through harassing and retaliatory legal actions (NCVRW Resource Guide National Crime Victims Awareness)

Crossan-DeBres continues, “When you look at the facts, you can see the importance of Shelter programs such as ‘Hands Are for Helping, Not Hitting’, ‘Teen Dating Violence’ and ‘Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence’ which target youth to help break the cycle of abuse.”

Love isn’t black & blue… if you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship; please call the Shelter’s 24-hour crisis hotline for help at 239-775-1101.

To learn more about resources available to help prevent child abuse and neglect, visit www.childwelfare.gov/preventing. For more information on the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, please call 239-775-3862, or visit www.naplesshelter.org

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The Shelter for Abused Women & Children helps adult and child victims and survivors of domestic violence through safety, intervention and support; educates the public about domestic violence; and advocates for social change against domestic violence. For more information, please contact us at 239-775-3862, or visit us online at: www.naplesshelter.org

Media Contact: Mary Ann T. Green, mgreen@naplesshelter.org, 239-775-3862, ext. 211