by Cheryl Leffler
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Childhood is a formative time, and abuse can have devastating long-term effects on young lives. In order to provide a safe environment for our young people, parents must work to protect their children from the dangers that threaten them. Family members, educators, public officials, and faith-based and community organizations all play important roles in helping to ensure that children are safe and can grow surrounded by love and stability.
As reported by Green Hills Women’s Shelter Program in the 13 county service area they serve, local child abuse cases have escalated over the past year. Green Hills Women’s Shelter Program worked with 326 child abuse cases in 2009, this being up from the 227 cases we assisted with in 2008. We must, as a community, work together to combat this issue and protect the children of our community. If you see a child being abused, please take time to call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-3738 and report it. Annually, the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline receives approximately 100,000 calls. Over half of those calls are accepted and sent on for investigation. Another 25,000 calls are referred by the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline Unit to local agencies. It is a community problem.
As we observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we must make a commitment that all children can thrive, develop character, and learn to be responsible citizens in an environment of security and love. By honoring our obligation to support and protect our children, everyone has an opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of a child and bring a brighter future for our country.
For more information about child abuse, please call Green Hills Women’s Shelter at 1-800-942-0649. To report child abuse directly, please call 1-800-392-3738.