Editorial: 2 domestic tragedies involving infants

It is with sadness and trepidation that we heard police news this week about two deadly cases involving infants.

One case has resulted in the arrest of a man, 21, in the fatal assault of his 5-month-old son in Kapolei; he is charged with manslaughter, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The other case, involving an infant critically injured on Nov. 23 in the Iroquois Point area, is being investigated by Honolulu police’s Child Abuse Detail.

Both situations raise alarm bells about domestic pressures, which experts say traditionally rise this time of year, but are now intensified after nine rocky months of pandemic lockdowns and economic losses.

Child & Family Service, a local organization that aids families, has seen more need for services such as food, housing and child care, as well as increasing concerns about domestic violence. CEO Karen Tan noted the higher risk for abuse in the home because of pandemic-related pressures: “We know that stress adds to the risk of child abuse and neglect.”

Job loss or disruption. Constant proximity due to stay- and safer-at-home directives. Kids distance-learning at home. Each of these factors alone would be challenging enough, even under the best of circumstances. But put together, especially without relief or support, it is too easy to imagine volatile situations. Children are especially vulnerable during disasters and pandemics, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.

In an ironic statistical twist, though, some states’ child-welfare agencies are actually seeing drops in abuse reports — including Hawaii’s Department of Human Services (DHS). The states’ and national declines are misleading, according to the National Children’s Alliance, because 67% of all child abuse reports come from teachers, extracurricular programs, clergy and other community professionals. And unfortunately, many of them have been out of direct touch with children during much of the pandemic.

“We know that without those extra eyes and ears, there were children that could possibly be abused at home behind closed doors,” noted DHS Child Welfare Services Branch Administrator Elladine Olevao, in a news report this week.

Some important numbers: 808-832-5300, to report child abuse or neglect; 808-832-1999, to report child trafficking; 1-800-690-6200 or text 605-956-5680 for the Domestic Violence Action Center.

The need for community vigilance is stronger than ever, to help prevent abuse. As Olevao said: “If we see something, we got to call in.”