Approximately 12 percent of child abuse-related deaths occur as a result of SBS

Approximately 12 percent of child abuse-related deaths occur as a result of SBS. Roughly 25 percent of SBS victims die, with another 35 percent suffering long-term disabilities; 41 percent are under the age of 1.8 The cost of caring for a surviving SBS child during his or her lifetime is often exorbitant. Initial hospitalization for SBS victims is estimated at $75,000 to $95,000.9 Additional costs are incurred for rehabilitation, or medical expenses and special education needs. Perhaps the most insidious side of SBS is seen in the thousands of children who suffer severe physical and mental disabilities throughout their lifetime.

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is the foremost national and international SBS information clearinghouse. It is leading a massive national and international awareness program at hospitals, schools, community centers and emergency rooms. Poster campaigns now depict macho males holding their tiny babies stating, "Tough guys don't shake." Pamphlets appear in hospitals and pediatricians' offices explaining the danger of shaking and tossing babies, and films for parents and childcare professionals exist. The organization has also sponsored numerous large conferences, including one in Australia and most recently in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Raising awareness about the potential injury to a child in a classroom setting has been shown to decrease the incidence of SBS.10 "By explaining the damage caused and how many infants fall victim to [SBS], we can reduce the number of cases. Oftentimes, people don't realize how easy it is to hurt an infant," said John Baldwin, senior instructor at Marana Community Correctional Treatment Facility in Arizona. "With this class, inmates receive graphic and vivid lessons on the impact of shaking an infant and really think twice about how to handle a baby."

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