Child Abuse Hurts! 
It can destroy young spirits and weaken our community
 
How Can You Make A Difference?
 
Become part of the solution by helping Windwood Farm keep our arms and our doors open to provide Help, Hope, and Healing
 
 
There is no single known cause of child maltreatment, nor is there any single description that captures all families in which children are victims of abuse and neglect.  Child abuse occurs across socio-economic, religious, cultural, racial, and ethnic groups.
 
South Carolina ranks 4th in the nation for abuse and neglect.  In 2010 more than 17,000 cases of abuse and neglect were reported and investigated in our state.
 
Child abuse and/or neglect not only weakens the spirit, but the physical, emotional and mental effects are far reaching.  Short and long term effects include:
  • Bruising, burns, lacerations, and broken bones
  • Brain damage, hemorrhages and permanent disabilities
  • Physical development can be impared as a result of blows to the head or body, violent shaking, scalding with hot water, inadequate nutrition, lack of motor stimulation, or by withholding medical treatment
  • Neurologically, chronic abuse can cause a child's brain to strengthen the pathways among neurons that are involved in creating the fear response, resulting in the brain becoming "wired" to experience the world as hostile and uncaring
  • Increased aggression, anxiousness and withdrawn personality traits are often present in children experiencing abuse or neglect
  • Adults that were abused/maltreated as children often have a greater risk of depression, heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease and liver disease
  • Individuals that are maltreated are more likely to participate in juvenile deliquency, adult criminality and violent behavior   
In addition to the tragic consequences endured by the children that have been abused and/or neglected, society pays a high monetary cost for child maltreatment.
 
Prevent Child Abuse America estimates that the total direct and indirect cost of child abuse and neglect in the USA may be as high as $94 billion (A Coordinated Response to Child Abuse and Neglect: The Foundation for Practice, USDHHS, 2003)

The good news is that children can be increadibly resilient.  One strong bond with a caring adult is often enought to start the healing process.  Also, research shows that supportive, emotionally satisfying relationships with a network of relatives or friends can help minimize the risk of parents maltreating thier children, especially during stressful life events.

To find out how you can be part of the solution visit the volunteer or wishlist portion on our website.