We’re all disturbed by the tragedy of child maltreatment. We are dismayed when we see headlines informing us of yet another child’s life ended or altered forever because of maltreatment by a trusted caregiver.

An estimated 1,500 children die of child maltreatment every year, and substantiated cases of child maltreatment approach over 900,000 annually. Yet these data are actually believed to severely understate the problem, because research shows that many cases often are not reported. Child maltreatment has immediate consequences for the child. And when children who have been mistreated grow up, their adverse childhood experiences can affect the long-term development of their brains, resulting in adult problems that range from cardiovascular disease and diabetes to anxiety disorder and depression.

We know that child maltreatment is a critical public health issue. Yet intervention usually takes place after maltreatment has occurred. What happens if we focus on prevention? What if we cultivate communities in which parents and caregivers receive messages of encouragement and in which healthy relationships between children and key adults are openly discussed?

We’ve found that great things can happen. A key study funded by the Injury Center shows that when all families have access to proven parenting information, we see lower rates of confirmed abuse cases, child out-of-home placements, and hospitalization and emergency room visits for child injuries. This study tracked the implementation of the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program in nine South Carolina counties. The Triple P System encompasses five levels of support that increase in intensity, from communicating positive parenting messages through various local media and public seminars to providing direct intervention to families.

By taking a public health approach to parenting and involving the entire community, parents have increased access to information about how to deal with common child-rearing issues.  When we normalize parenting difficulties, the study shows that more parents are prompted to seek help, information, or advice.

Let’s change the headlines. Together, we can create communities where our children are raised in nurturing environments that give them the opportunity to live to their full potential.