The economic downturn has led to a sharp increase in child abuse cases

The economic downturn has led to a sharp increase in child abuse cases. The impact of the economic downturn on local children is not only the lack of toys and the lack of vacations. Experts have found that more and more...

The economic downturn has led to a sharp increase in child abuse cases. The impact of the economic downturn on local children is not only the lack of toys and the lack of vacations. Experts have found a direct link between the growing number of child abuse cases among families and financial difficulties. Maura Motensili spends as much time as possible every day with her beloved son, Evan. Being a single mother is not easy. "It's hard because of all the expenses," Motensili said. "I have to buy things for him, pay utility bills, buy what I need, everything requires money." Amy, 10, and Jacob, 6, died of child abuse. Although the specific causes are still under investigation, records from child protective services and law enforcement agencies show that child abuse cases across the country are directly linked to parents' financial difficulties. When parents are under financial stress, violent outbursts are exacerbated by children's loud noises. Many hospitals across the country are seeing a 20 to 30 percent increase in child abuse patients, while social workers are also seeing a tripling of their caseloads. Phoenix police are trying to help, and parents can call the ChildHelp hotline for counseling. The police appeal to families with problems, no matter what, to control their emotions and not cause physical harm to others.