THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 13, 1996 TAG: 9604130021
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
Regarding ``Natasha's story'' (March 17) about the tragedy of Shaken Baby Syndrome: There is no question that there needs to be a greater awareness of the syndrome in our society.
Unfortunate cases of this syndrome are being found, and very few people are aware of the damage that shaking a child can do.
A 1994 pamphlet distributed by The Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters states that ``jerking or violently shaking a baby is equal to dropping a baby head-first onto a hard surface from a height of 10 feet.'' Shaking a baby or child can cause permanent brain damage and even death in some cases.
According to the Child Protective Services 1993-1994 program report, 27 children in Virginia died as a result of abuse. Not many would believe that shaking a child would be included in that number, but it is.
Education of the public on Shaken Baby Syndrome indeed is needed. Support groups and hot lines should be readily available to those who feel they need the help. Possibly these would assist in preventing heart-breaking incidents.
KELLI SALAH
Virginia Beach, March 18, 1996 by CNB