Two recent cases of child abuse have focused attention on South Florida children in jeopardy at the hands of their caregivers.

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NBC 6's Health Connection reporter Diana Gonzalez said it is a more prevalent problem around the holidays.

Last month, an autistic teen was allegedly stabbed in the eyes by his aunt in her Lauderhill home. This week, a 24-year-old mother was charged with beating her 1-year-old daughter. The baby's extensive injuries, 12 broken bones throughout her body, were discovered at Miami Children's Hospital.

Gonzalez said young children and those with disabilities are the most likely targets of abuse because they require more care.

The University Of Miami Child Protection Team sees 1,500 victims of abuse and neglect a year. Dr. Michael Strong is one of the pediatricians on the team.

"Particularly the months of November, December, January are our busiest," he said.

He said that is due to the stress of the holiday season.

Florida's Abuse Hotline received more than 313,000 concerned calls last year about abused children. There were less than 250,000 calls in 2001.

One official said the abuse cases occur when problems build up over time, like substance abuse or home eviction.

Parents and caretakers who are feeling overwhelmed need to reach out for help before lashing out at a child, Gonzalez said.

For help and more information, call 211 for the Children's Trust.

Anyone who suspects a child is a victim of abuse, the state hot line number is 1-800-96-ABUSE.