For Tucson's littlest victims of abuse and neglect, Santa can't make the bruises go away. The holidays are a time of joy and peace for most Tucson families. But for others, the stress of the season serves only to increase the rage that fills some homes. She said that although abuse and neglect can occur in families of all incomes, cases occur more often in low-income homes. And often the children end up paying.
Children also are more likely to be hurt and neglected in homes where substance abuse is an issue.
During the holidays, when drinking and partying are a priority in some families, children are left to fend for themselves. We've had parents passed out while kids are outdoors in 40-degree weather wearing nothing but diapers. We had two children brought in once who were wearing cardboard attached with a little string to keep them warm. Some of these children end up at Casa, which cares for up to 45 children, ages birth through 9. Child abuse is a year-round problem that has not been adequately addressed, she said.