In the past year, there have been at least ten cases of alleged abuse ending in a child's death in Wisconsin. It’s a shocking number community leaders say can be prevented.
There have been two cases in the past week in Northeast Wisconsin. First, in Two Rivers, a mother’s boyfriend was arrested for alleged abuse leading to an infant’s death. And Thursday, a Green Bay father was charged for the death of his 23-day-old baby.
“Any of us who have had kids, especially young ones, know that at times if you're tired or the child is sick or colicky, it can get frustrating,” said Detective Commander
James Runge. “So we have to have some sort of outlet that we are able to step back and have someone available to assist us if it gets to the point where we can't take it anymore.”
Runge said fortunately, it doesn't happen very often here, but it's never okay.
“Abusing or hitting a child is never acceptable way of dealing with it. So step away from it, get some help, anything,” said Runge.
Franchesca Vasquez, the Family Programs Manager with Family & Childcare Resources of N.E.W. said if parents or caregivers get to a breaking point, the best thing to do is take some deep breathes, put the baby down in safe spot and walk away.
“Parenting is one of the most frustrating things there is. So it's important to realize that you need to know what your triggers are and do what you need to do to calm yourself back down,” said Vasquez.
Vasquez also adds; reach out to family, friends, or even an organization like them to help.
“My hope is that people know that there are other services out there that can work to prevent it and we can put an end to some of this,” said Vasquez.
They offer services like parenting classes and in home family support, and its critical parents know they're not alone.
“Everyone is frustrated, but the most important thing is to keep that child safe,” she said. “So do whatever they can do make sure their own needs are being met so that they can meet the needs of that child.”
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