It is horrible whenever a child dies at the hands of an adult. But if we are to prevent child abuse--especially the most horrific and fatal kind--we must be clear on who represents the greatest risk.
Although mothers are singled out a lot in the media, note that only 1 of the 7 Kentucky cases cited below involved the abusive actions of the mother.
The other perpetrators? THREE "caretaking" dads (At least TWO of the Moms were at work), a male babysitter (a friend of Daddy's), and a boyfriend of the mother's. The last case is still under investigation.
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20091213/NEWS01/912130304/1008/Victims+of+child+abuse+come+from+all+parts+of+Kentucky+
Victims of child abuse come from all parts of Kentucky
The Courier-Journal • December 13, 2009
Here is a look at a few of the children who died from abuse or neglect in the past 16months. About 35 to 40 Kentucky children die each year in such circumstances.
Victoria Kayana Vaughn, 2 months, of Owensboro
Victoria died Oct. 1, 2008, after a beating from her father, Robert Joseph Arvin, 33, who was watching her while his wife, Victoria's mother, was at work. Arvin admitted slamming the baby's head against a table, Daviess Commonwealth's Attorney Bruce Kuegel said. Arvin pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 35 years. Kuegel said he wasn't aware of any reports of suspected abuse before Victoria's death.
Katelynn Stinnett, 2, of Lexington
Katelynn died Dec. 3, 2008, after she allegedly was raped and thrown to the floor by Brian Crabtree, a friend of the girl's father, Daniel Stinnett. Crabtree was caring for the girl while her father was at work. Crabtree has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and murder.
Karlie Mellick, 9 months, of Louisville
Karlie died June 11 after allegedly being battered by Matthew Vaughn, 21, the boyfriend of Karlie's mother, Kara Mellick, while she was at work. The infant suffered head injuries, fractured ribs, a broken leg and arm and severe bruising. Vaughn, who told police he shook the child and slammed her onto the floor, has pleaded not guilty to murder. Court records don't reflect past involvement by social-service officials, but in the days before Karlie's death, her mother, four day-care workers and a physician had noticed bruising to the infant's face and ear.
Chloe Senseman, 2 months, of Boone County
Chloe died July 12 from head trauma. Her father, Benjamin Senseman, 30, who was watching the infant while the mother, Laura Senseman, was at work, has pleaded not guilty to murder and is awaiting trial.
Gaige Pyles, 7 months, of Kenton County
Gaige died Aug. 17 from brain injuries that resulted from a shaking, according to a police report. His father, Matthew Pyles, 27, has pleaded not guilty to murder and is awaiting trial.
Stephen Troy, 23 months, of Laurel County
Stephen died of abdominal injuries Oct. 23. His mother, Amanda Johnson, 21, has pleaded not guilty to murder and is awaiting trial.
Antione Dixon, 17 months, of Louisville
Antione died Nov. 29 at Kosair Children's Hospital from blunt-force trauma to multiple parts of his body. The Jefferson County coroner has ruled the death a homicide and Louisville Metro Police are investigating.