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What everyone should know about child abuse

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(CBS) From discussions about "tiger mom" Amy Chua's unorthodox parenting to the revelation that a mother regularly injects her daughter with Botox, debate about what exactly constitutes child abuse continues.

But what isn't up for debate is  the fact that many children are abused in the U.S.

According to  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' most recent  2009 numbers, 3.6 million children (pdf) were reported victims of child abuse. In the same year, 1,770 children are estimated to have died from abuse and neglect.

But these cases, experts say, can be prevented if people start to speak up. And there's no better time than now: April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

But we at "Eye on Parenting" wanted to know exactly what people should be aware of and what steps to take if abuse is suspected. So we turned to expert Dr. Mary L. Pulido, executive director of The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, for some advice that applies, not just to parents, but to everyone in society.

Check out Pulido's interview below with CBSNews.com's Amanda Cochran.








Also, check out these helpful resources on child abuse and prevention:

National Child Abuse Prevention Month at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

To help the NYSPCC during National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, text NYSPCC to 50555 to donate $10. All proceeds will benefit The NYSPCC and help fund its counseling, legal and educational programs to prevent abuse and help children and families heal.

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