The Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office Launches Initiative to Prevent Shaken Baby Deaths
The Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office is launching a new initiative to prevent shaken baby deaths. The series of public service announcements (PSAs) aim to raise awareness of child abuse and shaken baby syndrome following the preventable deaths of two children in October.
Background
- In October, 5-month-old Aria Genna and 3-year-old Declan Hill, both from Lucas County, were tragically killed by blunt force trauma allegedly caused by their caregivers.
- This prompted the prosecutor’s office to investigate the prevalence of shaken baby syndrome.
The Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness PSAs
- The PSAs are designed to be attention-grabbing and use the repetitive sound of a crying child.
- Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates emphasizes the importance of walking away if frustrated with a crying child who is not hungry, wet, or sick.
- The PSAs are accompanied by marketing materials featuring the phrase “it’s ok just walk away” and the hashtag #itsokjustwalkaway.
Educational Content
- Lucas County Coroner Dr. Diane Scala-Barnette explains in the PSAs how shaking a baby can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
- Dr. Scala-Barnette highlights that a baby’s neck muscles are not fully developed, making their head heavy and susceptible to injury.
- Prosecutor Bates warns that charges for shaking an infant can result in severe penalties, including long prison sentences or even the death penalty.
Child Abuse Prevention Month
- The PSA campaign is launched during Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness of the issue.
- The Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office symbolically planted 179 pinwheels outside the courthouse, representing the number of child victims involved in cases presented to the Special Victim Prosecutors in both Lucas County Common Pleas and Juvenile courts.
Support and Prevention
- Lucas County Children Services reports that 1,400 children were victims of abuse and neglect in 2022.
- Interim Director Donna Seed emphasizes that it is okay to walk away from a crying child and encourages seeking help, assuring that asking for assistance does not mean losing custody of the child.
- Seed believes that with the right supports and education, child abuse can be prevented.
Additional Measures
- In addition to the PSAs, the prosecutor’s office plans to distribute magnets with phone numbers for help.
Video Content
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content
- SDG 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.
- SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets
- Number of preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.
- Number of cases of violence against children resulting in death or severe injury.
- Number of public service announcements and educational campaigns on child abuse prevention.
- Number of individuals reached and engaged through the awareness campaigns.
- Number of reported cases of child abuse and neglect.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age. | – Number of preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. | – Number of cases of violence against children resulting in death or severe injury. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | – Number of public service announcements and educational campaigns on child abuse prevention. – Number of individuals reached and engaged through the awareness campaigns. – Number of reported cases of child abuse and neglect. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. | – Number of cases of violence against children resulting in death or severe injury. |
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Source: wtol.com
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