August is End Kids' Tears Month Hernando County faces an epidemic of child abuse, neglect and endangerment that simply cannot be ignored.  Over the last year alone, the maltreatment crisis affected more than 1,100 children in our community.  This includes: 775 cases of family violence threatening children, 169 physical injuries, 72 sexual abuses, 66 cases of medical neglect, 7 asphyxiations, 6 cases of abandonment, 4 bone fractures, 2 deaths and more.  Sadly, these documented cases represent only a small fraction of the multitude of abuses that go unreported in our community every day.  Plus, current economic pressures and a growing population are only making the problem even more severe. But there is hope!  Please visit our website http://www.endkidstears.com  to see how you can help!       Information is also available from Kids Central, Inc.