Why? Why is there child abuse in the first place? Why do I live in a state that has the second highest child abuse rate in the country? We don't even have one of the largest cities in the United States! These are questions with complicated answers. There is so much evil in some people's hearts- evil that they sometimes have little control over due to deep addictions to drugs or a mental illness they can't seem to overcome, even for the sake of children.
April is child abuse awareness month and I always make a post to bring the topic to light. The blue ribbon is both a symbol of Child Abuse Awareness and Autism Awareness. More often than not, long term effects of child abuse results in mental disorders of children or deviant behavior, and the cycle is rarely broken.
The 2017 report was released in February of 2019. According to the report, Indiana has 18.2 per 1000 child abuse reports, behind only Kentucky at 22.3 per 1000. The national average is 10.
Here are a few findings from the report.The full report can be accessed here:
Child Maltreatment Report 2017 (Released Feb 2019)
■ The national rounded number of children who received a child protective services investigation response or alternative response increased 10.0 percent from 2013(3,184,000) to 2017 (3,501,000).
■The number and rate of victims have fluctuated during the past 5 years. Comparing the national rounded number of victims from 2013 (656,000) to the national rounded number of victims in 2017 (674,000) shows an increase of 2.7 percent.
■The 2017 data show three-quarters (74.9%) of victims are neglected, 18.3 percent are physically abused, and 8.6 percent are sexually abused. These victims may suffer a single maltreatment type or a combination of two or more maltreatment types.
■For 2017, an estimated 1,720 children died of abuse and neglect at a rate of 2.32 per 100,000 children in the national population.1
So what is the answer to this dilemma and increasingly saddening state of our Union? This issue can only be combated one child at a time, one family at a time, along with increasing mental health services and drug addiction rehabilitation. If you suspect something, say something. We are all mandated reporters and are protected under the law as long as we are making the report in good faith and not purposely trying to falsely accuse someone. Here is the Child Abuse Hotline number: 1-800-422-4453. Childhelp is another organization dedicated to informing and assisting those who need to understand abuse or report abuse. Click on this link to the website address: www.childhelp.org
Remember: If you suspect abuse you must call the hotline to report it. If you feel more comfortable calling a school counselor or a police officer, either can help make this call.
