Stress Exacerbates Child Abuse

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Preventing the abuse and neglect of a child is the responsibility of everyone, every month.

With the downturn of the economy, more and more families are experiencing increased stress. Stress, when combined with other risk factors such as unemployment, poverty, poor parent-child relationships, social isolation and lack of social support, has an impact on children and families. It is important to note that child abuse knows no economic boundary. Poor and wealthy families alike abuse their children.

Stress can have a great impact on the vulnerability of a family. As we all cope with the economic downturn, take a moment to reach out to your neighbors and families who may need help with their children. Offer your support. You can make a difference in the life of a child.

Source: Kansascity.com

One of the best ways to handle stress is meditation. To begin a practice see my Meditation 101 posts.