Survivor urges community to be vigilant about child abuse
Editor:
As many people know, there are months dedicated to “domestic violence awareness” and “breast cancer awareness”, as well as many other causes. However, what many people don’t know is that April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention month.
Child abuse is an uncomfortable and sensitive issue to discuss. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that it is happening every day across the United States. Annually, more than 700,000 children are abused in the United States. As a result of abuse and neglect, an estimated four to seven children die each day at the hands of their abusers. Like sexual assault, the perpetrator is most likely to be someone close to the child—90% of abusers are parents or a relative of the child.
It is imperative that we all familiarize ourselves with the signs of child abuse and report it if we suspect that a child is being abused. You can be the reason that a child survives and gets a second chance. I was that child. I am a survivor. Please, stand up and act when you suspect that this injustice is taking place!
Child Protective Services Hotline: 1-800-342-3720
James White
Gaines
