Auburn Journal : Penne Usher, Journal Staff Writer
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Placer County law enforcement and fire departments united Friday in front of the Placer County Historic Courthouse to bring public awareness to child abuse.
“April has been designated as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month, and we are joining forces to recognize this tragic event that we respond to on a daily basis,” said Capt. Rick Ward of the Auburn-area California Highway Patrol. “Child abuse is a nationwide tragedy that can happen anywhere, anytime.”
Scott Juceam, whose daughter Hannah Rose was allegedly shaken to death by the family’s nanny last year, spoke at Friday’s ceremony.
“Parents like us must carry the burden of education for those who can’t speak,” Juceam said.
Juceam started the Hannah Rose Foundation to raise money and to educate the public about the fatal consequences of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
“We are really happy two have everybody here as co-champions of our cause,” Juceam said.
Child abuse affects children of all ages, race and income, although national statistics show that the youngest children (4 years or younger) experience the highest rates of victimization, Ward said.
Most recent National Child Abuse and Neglect Data figures reveal that almost 500,000 children are reported as victims of abuse or neglect daily in United States, causing unspeakable pain and suffering to our most vulnerable citizens, Ward said.
In this region, there are nearly 700 reports of neglect or abuse weekly. However, research suggests that the actual numbers could be as much as two to three times higher, due to the numerous unreported cases.
To further awareness of child-abuse prevention in Placer County all public safety agencies, including law enforcement and fire departments will show their solidarity by placing Hannah’s bumper sticker on official vehicles for the month of April.
“We hope that with this joint effort we can raise awareness and promote positive alternatives for parents and caregivers,” Ward said.
Veronica Martinez Salcedo, a 36-year-old nanny who is accused of shaking 15-month-old Hanna Rose to death May 11, 2006 in her parents’ Roseville home will face a jury trial in August.
She has been charged with the murder of baby Hannah Rose Juceam, which carries a sentence of 25-to-life.
The Journal’s Penne Usher can be reached at penneu@goldcountrymedia.com.