Never shake a baby.

That is the key message in the Shaken Baby Syndrome campaign launched today by Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health.

The second of three anti-violence campaigns is aimed at addressing family violence in our communities. Shaken Baby Syndrome

is a form of abusive head trauma that causes death in infants and young children. Approximately 25 per cent of all shaken babies die as a result of their injuries. Those who do survive often suffer severe, lifelong disabilities.

In most Shaken Baby Syndrome cases, 70 per cent of the perpetrators

are male. The campaign has a clear message to fathers and caregivers of infants and toddlers: shaking a baby can cause death.

"The need to raise awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome is clearly demonstrated by the serious health outcomes," said Jennifer MacLeod, the health unit's co-ordinator

for the Prevention of Childhood Injury and Family Abuse Program. "The dangers of shaking a baby are real, educating about prevention is the key."

World Boxing Champion Syd "The Jewel" Vanderpool is featured in the campaign video PSA outlining the dangers of shaking a baby.