FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Everyone has the Responsibility to…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Everyone has the Responsibility to Report Abuse

ONE THING REMAINS THE SAME: CHILD ABUSE IS STILL HAPPENING

While everything is very different right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our nation’s children who are staying home to stay safe are finding that home is not necessarily a safe place. As children’s social circles shrink to just family members, many face a greater risk of abuse and neglect.

Stress diminishes a person’s ability to manage their behavior. Parents facing economic and home instability, sickness, loss of routine, and round-the-clock care can easily become frustrated and angry. In addition, some parents required to work outside the home may leave children on their own or with a friend. All of these are risk factors for abuse and neglect. 90% of the time, a child knows their abuser and 39% are abused by a family member.

Children usually report their abuse to a safe individual, when they are in a safe environment. Most often this happens in school. Teachers, coaches, school nurses, counselors, and child care providers are the nation’s largest group of tipsters-or mandated reporters. These individuals are mandated to notify authorities about suspected incidents. With schools closed, the reports have declined, but we know the abuse is still happening. Covid-19’s hidden challenge is spotting abuse when schools are closed.

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services has identified a 50% decline in reports of suspected child abuse throughout the State. The New York State Children’s Alliance, a member organization of child advocacy centers in New York State, found a 66% decrease in overall reports to child advocacy centers from March-April 2020 compared to the same time period last year. During this time frame, the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center has experienced a 50% decrease in reports of suspected child sexual abuse.

Centers are asking others to fill in the reporting gaps. All Child Advocacy Centers throughout New York State are openand providing essential, investigative and compassionate services for children and families in a safe and secure environment. All protective health protocols are in place.

Everyone has the responsibility to report abuse—even if you only suspect abuse.

New York State has a 24/7 toll-free Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-342-3720.

If you see something that does not seem right, does not feel right, or does not look right make a call.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

The effects of COVID-19 will be long-lasting. It will leave an impact on the economy, on the medical field,

on individual families and on our children. Don’t let this health pandemic become an abuse pandemic.

If you see something, say something.