It's referred to as "our nation's shame" - an acute and ongoing problem with child abuse and neglect across the country. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and I caught up with some local victims, who have made it through the pain...

Listen to Part 1

Listen to Part 2

A look at the numbers:

- In 2010, there were over 88,000 substantiated allegations of child abuse in California.  2,772 of those were in Sacramento

- The total lifetime cost of child maltreatment is $124 billion each year

- In 2010, there were 120 child fatalities due to maltreatment in California

- In 2010, there were over 24,000 children entered foster care for the very first time in California

Take Action:

- If you suspect a child is enduring abuse, call 211

- If you are a parent/caregiver of a child(ren) and are going through a crisis, you can take your children to your local Crisis Nursery—no questions asked. Call 211 to find your local Crisis Nursery

- If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, call (877) 488-5437 contact EMQ Families First