Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. —“Mamma has been in the habit of whipping and beating me almost every day. She used to whip me with a twisted whip – a raw hide. . . which left a black and blue mark on my body. I have now the black and blue marks on my head which were made by mamma and also a cut on the left side of my forehead which was caused by a pair of scissors.” This was the testimony of Mary Ellen Wilson in April 1874. Her story marked the beginning of a worldwide crusade to save children. In that case, Henry Bergh, a leader of the animal humane movement and founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), took action as a private citizen and arranged for an ASPCA attorney to prepare a petition for her removal from her guardian’s care. It amazes us still that there were animal protection organizations before there were organizations to protect children from maltreatment.

Even now, five children die every day from abuse and neglect in the United States. Child abuse and neglect costs the country $104 billion a year, but the cost to the children are just as high, if not higher. As a result of their circumstances, they often end up with poorer academic performance and more limited career choices. Children who are abused and/or neglected are six times more likely to use drugs. They are three times more likely to commit a violent crime. Other costs to these children include depression, suicidal idealization, anxiety and lowered self-esteem. Children who are abused/neglected are more likely to die younger.  READ MORE HERE