Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) this week introduced legislation that would help prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome through prevention and education programs and by providing support for frustrated parents and caregivers.
“Child abuse is cruel and senseless, but it unfortunately continues to occur at an alarmingly high rate in our society,” said Dodd. “Shaking a child or baby can result in permanent injury or even death. As a father myself, it is my hope that this legislation will educate more parents and caretakers about the dangers of shaking a baby and reduce the incidence of Shaken Baby Syndrome.”
“Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is severe, tragic and entirely preventable,” said Lowey, whose constituent Darryl Gibbs of Yonkers was personally affected when his 9-month old daughter Cynthia was shaken to death by a caregiver. “By educating parents and caregivers about SBS and providing the support they need when frustrated, we can help put a stop to these fatal and devastating injuries.”
The Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act, introduced this week by Dodd and Lowey, would establish a national public health campaign to raise awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome, encourage prevention programs, provide support to both families affected by abusive head trauma incidents as well as preventative support for frustrated parents and caregivers, and review data collection on SBS.
Shaken baby syndrome is a type of inflicted traumatic brain injury that results in bruising, swelling, and bleeding, which can lead to permanent, severe brain damage or death. Shaken baby injuries usually occur in children younger than 2 years old, but may be seen in children up to the age of 5.
Shaken Baby Syndrome is completely preventable. Prevention programs have demonstrated that educating new parents and caregivers about the danger of shaking young children can bring about a significant reduction in the number of cases of SBS.
