Federal Study Shows Drastic Drop in Abuse Since Early 90′s But Child Advocates Caution Tough Economy Could Derail Progress
(CBS) Once a week, every week, 19-year-old single parent Antoinette Franklin gets counseling to help her learn to be a better mom to 3-month-old Amia.
“You know it helps you so that you won’t get frustrated and want to, you know, lead to the abuse as far as mentally, physically ot anything,” Antoinette told CBS News correspondent Cynthia Bowers.
Programs such as one at Chicago’s Near North Health Service may play a role in dramatically reducing child abuse from 1993 to 2005.
A federal study found a 38 percent decline in child sex abuse, a 27 percent decrease in emotional abuse, and a 15 percent drop in physical abuse.
Child advocate David Finkelhor credits what he calls a “troop surge” in the war on child abuse in the 90s.
cbsnews.com