Most of us can'?t imagine ever harming a child, especially one of our own children, but as recent high-profile cases here in Cincinnati show, child abuse continues to be a tragic and ongoing problem. And from brutal physical attacks to neglect, the abuse can take many forms. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, in 2012 nationally more than 680,000 children were considered abused or neglected, and an estimated 1,640 kids died as a result. Here to discuss child abuse and prevention and some of the mental health issues involved, are Lindner Center of HOPE staff psychiatrist Dr. Tracy Cummings; Sharidon Wolz, director for Behavioral Health and Child Welfare with Beech Acres Parenting Center; Jill Gay, director of Treatment Services with the Family Nurturing Center; and, Dr. Robert Shapiro, director of the Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children Child Abuse Team at Cincinnati Children?'s Hospital Medical Center.
For more information or assistance you can contact Hamilton County Job and Family Services or the Council on Child Abuse, or call the Hamilton County Abuse Hotline: 513-241-KIDS, or the Lindner Center help line: 513-536-HOPE (4673)