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Could the housing market dilemma be a factor of rising child abuse cases? That's what new research is suggesting.

According to researchers, as mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures loom, the rates of child abuse leading to hospitalization also increased.

Joanne Wood lead the study and said intervention is key.

"On the community level, we need to recognize that losing a home is very stressful, and we need to let families know that it's OK to ask for help," Wood said. "We need to provide them links to resources where they can get help."

Wood is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Every year, 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving 6 million children and the United States has the worst record in the industrialized nation - losing five children every day due to abuse-related deaths. The estimated annual cost of child abuse and neglect in the United States for 2008 is $124 billion.

According to previous research the thriving economy dramatically lowered rates of child abuse in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

In a study published in the October 2011 issue of Pediatrics, the rates of abusive head trauma in children went from nine per 100,000 children to 15 per 100,000 children between 2004 and 2009. A second study, presented at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons meeting in April 2011, found that the rates of abusive head trauma during the recession had doubled in children 2 years old and younger.

Researchers studied unemployment, mortgage foreclosures and mortgage delinquencies in 38 hospitals' geographic area.

Researchers found that in families whose housing situation was insecure because they were behind on their mortgage or had lost their home to foreclosure, child abuse was far more likely.

As someone who takes care of children who've been abused, I can say that stress is often a contributing factor in abuse," Wood said. "Often it's not just one particular factor, but an accumulation of factors that leads to abuse."

Medical Director of the Jane Barker Brooklyn Children's Advocacy Center Stephen Ajl said child abuse occurs across all households, but is more likely to happen in a household with fewer resources and support systems.

"This study focuses on housing and stability and its relationship to child abuse," Ajl said. "I think the more we highlight the factors that contribute to child abuse, the more power the argument gets that we really need to do something to prevent these things that precipitate child abuse."

Ajl said parents who are feeling financial or other stresses should reach out for help.

"Your children are not where your frustrations should be taken out," he said. "Walk away for 10 seconds. Stop take a deep breath."

Ajl said it's important for people who see or suspect abuse to report it to the authorities.

"People don't always want to get involved, but if you see abuse, don't walk away," he said.

If you're a parent who needs help, you can talk to counselors at ChildHelpanonymously and at no cost. Call 800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453).

Results of the study will be published in the August issue of the journal Pediatrics. The study was released online July 16.

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Could the housing market dilemma be a factor of rising child abuse cases? That's what new research is suggesting.

According to researchers, as mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures loom, the rates of child abuse leading to hospitalization also increased.

Joanne Wood lead the study and said intervention is key.

"On the community level, we need to recognize that losing a home is very stressful, and we need to let families know that it's OK to ask for help," Wood said. "We need to provide them links to resources where they can get help."

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Wood is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Every year, 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving 6 million children and the United States has the worst record in the industrialized nation - losing five children every day due to abuse-related deaths. The estimated annual cost of child abuse and neglect in the United States for 2008 is $124 billion.

According to previous research the thriving economy dramatically lowered rates of child abuse in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

In a study published in the October 2011 issue of Pediatrics, the rates of abusive head trauma in children went from nine per 100,000 children to 15 per 100,000 children between 2004 and 2009. A second study, presented at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons meeting in April 2011, found that the rates of abusive head trauma during the recession had doubled in children 2 years old and younger.

Researchers studied unemployment, mortgage foreclosures and mortgage delinquencies in 38 hospitals' geographic area.

Researchers found that in families whose housing situation was insecure because they were behind on their mortgage or had lost their home to foreclosure, child abuse was far more likely.

As someone who takes care of children who've been abused, I can say that stress is often a contributing factor in abuse," Wood said. "Often it's not just one particular factor, but an accumulation of factors that leads to abuse."

Medical Director of the Jane Barker Brooklyn Children's Advocacy Center Stephen Ajl said child abuse occurs across all households, but is more likely to happen in a household with fewer resources and support systems.

"This study focuses on housing and stability and its relationship to child abuse," Ajl said. "I think the more we highlight the factors that contribute to child abuse, the more power the argument gets that we really need to do something to prevent these things that precipitate child abuse."

Ajl said parents who are feeling financial or other stresses should reach out for help.

"Your children are not where your frustrations should be taken out," he said. "Walk away for 10 seconds. Stop take a deep breath."

Ajl said it's important for people who see or suspect abuse to report it to the authorities.

"People don't always want to get involved, but if you see abuse, don't walk away," he said.

If you're a parent who needs help, you can talk to counselors at ChildHelp anonymously and at no cost. Call 800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453).

Results of the study will be published in the August issue of the journal Pediatrics. The study was released online July 16.