To the Editor:
The DeKalb County community needs to be applauded. It is in times of tragedy that everyone comes together, and that has certainly happened in recent months.
We are well-versed in the prevalence of child abuse in our community. It seems that we see an arrest, plea, conviction or sentencing in our newspaper a couple of times a week lately.
I am so proud of community members for reaching out to the Children’s Advocacy Center and asking what signs to watch for in regard to child abuse, how they can talk to their children, what they should do if they suspect abuse or if they hear a disclosure of abuse.
Children must be taught the value of boundaries and the importance of safe relationships. Adults must be vigilant in recognizing the signs and must report suspected abuse to local law enforcement and to child protection.
It is very common for people to believe that in order to report suspected abuse, there must be proof. That is false. If you have a disclosure from a child, that is all you need. If you have a reasonable suspicion, that is all you need.
If you meet one of those criteria, please call 800-25-ABUSE and/or local law enforcement.
It is imperative that we shatter the silence of abuse. Not talking about it does not make it go away. The sexual abuse of a child is not something that will simply stop happening, it will continue until the silence is broken.
Healing begins with reporting the abuse so that children and their caregivers can be connected with the resources that they need.
The Children’s Advocacy Center works closely with licensed and certified trauma clinicians. Child abuse is a community issue, and I promise that we can make a difference in the lives of children, together.
Holly Ann Peifer
Director of Children’s Advocacy Center
Read more: http://www.daily-chronicle.com/2017/02/21/letter-speaking-out-is-only-way-to-stop-child-abuse/aebxy7k/
DeKalb
The DeKalb County community needs to be applauded. It is in times of tragedy that everyone comes together, and that has certainly happened in recent months.
We are well-versed in the prevalence of child abuse in our community. It seems that we see an arrest, plea, conviction or sentencing in our newspaper a couple of times a week lately.
I am so proud of community members for reaching out to the Children’s Advocacy Center and asking what signs to watch for in regard to child abuse, how they can talk to their children, what they should do if they suspect abuse or if they hear a disclosure of abuse.
Children must be taught the value of boundaries and the importance of safe relationships. Adults must be vigilant in recognizing the signs and must report suspected abuse to local law enforcement and to child protection.
It is very common for people to believe that in order to report suspected abuse, there must be proof. That is false. If you have a disclosure from a child, that is all you need. If you have a reasonable suspicion, that is all you need.
If you meet one of those criteria, please call 800-25-ABUSE and/or local law enforcement.
It is imperative that we shatter the silence of abuse. Not talking about it does not make it go away. The sexual abuse of a child is not something that will simply stop happening, it will continue until the silence is broken.
Healing begins with reporting the abuse so that children and their caregivers can be connected with the resources that they need.
The Children’s Advocacy Center works closely with licensed and certified trauma clinicians. Child abuse is a community issue, and I promise that we can make a difference in the lives of children, together.
Holly Ann Peifer
Director of Children’s Advocacy Center
Read more: http://www.daily-chronicle.com/2017/02/21/letter-speaking-out-is-only-way-to-stop-child-abuse/aebxy7k/
DeKalb
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