Here are some startling facts about child abuse and neglect:

• Abuse and neglect are the leading cause of death for children ages four and younger.
• In 2000, nine deaths occurred in Connecticut as a result of child abuse or neglect.
• Each year, child protective service agencies throughout the United States receive more than three million reports of suspected child abuse and neglect.
• Each year, 10,000 children in Connecticut are born into families with at least one significant risk factor for abuse or neglect.
• Last year, nearly 2,000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in the Greater Danbury Area.