We're seeing an increase in child abuse cases in our area.
Just yesterday, a Mount Morris Township man was accused of beating up a six month old baby girl belonging to his girlfriend.
He is not the father.
It was just three weeks ago in Mount Morris where police say a six month old was sexually abused and photographed at the same time.
Also Monday, a child killer was sentenced and another was convicted.
Police say 26-year-old Bradley Cottier of Mount Morris Township beat up his girlfriend's six month old baby, causing fractures and bruises.
Investigators say Cottier would watch the baby while his girlfriend was away.
They said he would get angry at his girlfriend's absence and take it out on the baby allegedly hitting and shaking her.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton says, "Why is it happening? There's too many young people having children before they're ready to assume the responsibility, the awesome responsibility of caring for a child."
Earlier this month the prosecutor accused Daniel Hall of sexually assaulting a six month old baby girl while his wife Alisha allegedly took pictures of it.
Jonnie Peters of Mount Morris Township says, "We have to find a way to protect our children here, definitely."
Residents say there's no excuse for what's going on.
"The economy, no jobs, no food stamps, it's terrible, but that's the times we live in and our children are being misused," says Barbara Brewster of Mount Morris Township.
Monday, a Macomb County jury found Renee King guilty of killing two year old Lily Furneaux whose family is from Lapeer.
The same day, a judge sentenced Brandon Hayes, the man found guilty of killing four year old Dominick Calhoun to life in prison.
"I'm just praying for our children," says Brewster.
Leyton says, "We need to do a better job as a community. We need to do a better job starting in the family, schools, churches, synagogues, mosques, and community centers."
Child experts say it's okay to feel burned out when taking care of a child and if you need help there are services available.
