Tonight after laying my little ones down for bed I scrolled Facebook and found the news story that I’ve been anticipating. Child Abuse Numbers are Skyrocketing.
When I worked directly in Child Abuse investigations as a Forensic Interviewer the harsh reality that anytime a change in economy, stress in the environment, or even a football game would bring children into our child advocacy center by the dozens due to abuse or neglect.
I don't have to click this news article to understand the reality. Our world is terrified today and stress triggers the very worst inside all of us--some more heinous than others.
Tonight many are in a home with an abuser. That reality hangs heavy on my conscience. Most child abuse is reported to teachers so it is our moral responsibility to fill that gap for our most vulnerable. It’s our responsibility to promote awareness of how to check on families, how to report abuse, and how to support our fellow organizations caring for our most vulnerable families. Tonight, tomorrow and weeks from now they will be in the trenches.
We know that this time is stressful and you aren’t alone. If you suspect someone you know is being abused, it is your responsibility to report it. The National Child Abuse Hotline is 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453.