ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI-FOX2Now.com)—
Three horrific child abuse cases in the metro area. All of them just days apart. Experts think we might be seeing a spike in child abuse because of the economy.Most people think that adults who hurt children are just bad people. What pushes them over the edge? After years of decline child abuse cases have been on the rise across the country the past few months. New figures suggest the economy may play a role.
The National incidence study of child abuse and neglect shows child abuse declined through 2006. Figures from state child welfare agencies show a steady rise in abuse and neglect in the last six months. The national study explains that people without jobs are three times more likely to abuse or neglect their kids than middle class families. It was highest among people with incomes of less than $15,000. The child abuse rate was five times normal.
