NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ - Houston, TX, United States, 2006/04/10 - In 2005, Texas CPS reported: 234,383 investigations of child abuse and neglect, 60,433 confirmed victims, 20,539 children removed from their homes. In US, every 11 seconds a child reported abused, every 2 hours a child is homicide victim.

“Child abuse can be prevented,” says Dr. Keith Robinson, producer and host of the upcoming documentary The Brutal Truth: Protecting the Family from Violence (BrutalTruthProject.org). “The problems of child abuse are creating generations of people who perpetuate family abuse and the cycle of violence. Parents face extreme challenges and stress in today’s society and cultures. Our documentary presents some new answers to these challenges.”

Despite 40 years of public awareness campaigns to educate parents about potential abuse and neglect, American child abuse rates have not fallen. Because of the sensational media reporting of high-profile dramatic cases, people assume that child abuse is always committed by monstrous criminals. The truth of the matter is that child abuse is committed everyday by ordinary people caught in stressful situations. This program explains strategies for understanding the root cause of abusive behavior, then suggests specific steps parents can take to prevent child abuse before it occurs. Dr. Keith A. Robinson, President, Health Media Network, LLC is the program host.

Eleven nationally acclaimed experts have joined the Emmy Award winning team of Health Media Network’s producers Robinson and Carrie Woliver and Studio W’s director Rick Christie to produce this unique educational television project to be used as a tool and resource by the community and by schools, agencies, medical groups/facilities, corporations, churches and organizations. The program identifies the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect and helps to educate parents on successful ways to raise children in today’s difficult world.

The Brutal Truth: Protecting the Family from Violence airs April 13, 7pm, HoustonPBS and will air around the country on affiliate PBS stations.

NOTE: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

These excellent experts are available for interview:
T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., pediatrician and professor emeritus at Harvard University, whose “TouchPoints” help inform parents of the pivotal points in a child’s life which may produce the most stress. National parenting expert.

Child psychiatrist, Bruce Perry, M.D., PhD. of the ChildTrauma Academy, will show how lack of touching and hugging can actually stop a child’s brain from developing naturally. Also extremely involved in the negative effects of the stress caused to children and parents who were victims of Katrina.

• Estella Olguin - Harris County Children’s Protective Service - shaken baby syndrome, neglect
• Sylvia Garcia - AVANCE / bilingual - guidance for Hispanic parents
• Janet Pozmantier - Childbuilders, Director, Parents Under Construction
• Becky Koch - Childbuilders, Director, the WHO program
• Sharon Bayus - Innovative Alternatives, Anti-Bullying Program
• Elaine Stolte - Children’s Assessment Center - Sexual abuse expert
• Lidya Osadchey - ESCAPE Family Resource Center - Helps families under stress
• Judge Bonnie Hellums - Harris County Family Court
• Dr. Keith Robinson, co-producer and documentary host; Health Media Network LLC
• Carrie Woliver, co-producer; Health Media Network LLC
• Jessica Middleton, sexual abuse victim, volunteer with Childbuilders
• Crystal Maldonado, sexual abuse victim, volunteer with Children’s Assessment Center /Bilingual

RELATED TOPICS:
Shaken Baby Syndrome
Difference between discipline and punishment
Bully proof your child
Parents Under Construction: frustration is usually lack of options
Child Abuse Prevention Month: April 2006

Possible questions for experts:
• What is the difference between child abuse and child neglect?
• What are the signs a child has been sexually abused?
• Is child abuse preventable?
• What is the W.H.O. program and what is it doing to help our children?
• Why is important to break the cycle of abuse?
• Why is hugging children important?
• Why is it said we are the least child-oriented society in the world?
• How does a victim recover?
• What do you do if you suspect a child is being abused?

Photos available
Additional statistics and quotes from experts available

Agency / Source: CatalystMoon Public Relations

Availability: All Metropolitan Area

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