Step Up and Speak Up

According to the American SPCC, since 2015 there has been an increase in child abuse complaints from 3.6 million to 4 million. The up-rise since 2017 on the other hand is 6.6 million to 7.2 million. This epidemic problem is increasing yearly, daily, and hourly.

About 14% of men in prison and 36% of women in prison have experienced abuse as a child. The statistic show that if a child was abused or neglected when they grew up, then they are 9 times most likely be involved in illegal or criminal activities. 90% of victims are either related or know their attacker. In 2014  Healthguide.org stated that, “1,580 kids die as a result to child abuse and neglect.” This is between 4 to 5 kids that die each day by those who should be loving and protecting them.

Abuse can occur in many forms such as physical, mental, emotional, sexual abuse, and basic neglect, which is not providing the essential needs for a child. Being aware of these basic facts and having knowledge of abuse can help us learn, prevent, report, and stop the harm from coming to the children or save the 4 to 5 kids that die each day. These kids feel invisible and useless and need outside help.

If anyone suspects any suspicious behavior is going on in a child’s life no matter how small it may be, please do not hesitate to speak up. The national child abuse hotline number is 1-800-4-A-Child 1-800-422-4453. The local Springfield Child Advocacy Center’s call line is open 24 hours, and there hotline number is 1-800-392-3738.  One phone call could make all the difference to someone’s life. It can be difficult to say anything because people don’t want to get involved, but these children’s voices have been taken from them. We need to be their voice.