This week I had the privilege of attending the International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma in Nashville. It was my second time attending, and both times I’ve come home with something valuable.
As many of you know, my youngest son is a survivor of Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT). At this year’s conference, I presented on the work of Never Shake Minnesota. I also sat in on sessions covering bruising in infants and the careful science that goes into diagnosing child abuse, and I heard from families across the country who shared their own journeys.
I came back more energized than ever to keep fighting for child safety. One thing I heard again and again from families with lived experience was this: I wish I had known more.
That’s why Safe Passage will keep pushing for legislation that teaches people to recognize the signs of child abuse. And we will keep putting child safety above all else, because the last thing we want is more families sitting in conference rooms like that one, living with the trauma of a child who was hurt.
-Crystal