April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. There were 535 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in Linn County during 2020, 48.5% of those children were six or younger, with nearly 11% less than one year old. During 2020, there were 16 Oregon children who died from causes related to familial/caregiver abuse and/or neglect; 13 of those who died were five years old or younger with 9 of these 16 being less than one year old.
Preventing child abuse and neglect is a community value that depends on the involvement of people community wide to provide access to the resources needed for safe, healthy living. Child abuse and neglect not only directly harms children, but also increases the likelihood of health problems, poor education performance, substance abuse and early pregnancy. These problems can compound themselves as the child becomes an adult. Abuse and neglect are far reaching with no social economic group immune and children of all races and ethnicities are victims. Child abuse is a total community problem affecting all levels of society.
In their next meeting, the Halsey City Council will proclaim April, 2022 as “Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month” in Halsey and call upon all citizens, religious organizations, and businesses to increase their participation in efforts to support children and their families in living safe and healthy lives, therefore, helping to preventing child abuse and neglect.
If you suspect a child is being abused, you can contact: Linn Benton Child Abuse Hot Line at (541) 757-5019 or 866-303-4643, or the Linn County Sheriffs Department at (541) 967-3911, or the Department of Human Services at (541) 967-2060.
Original source can be found here.
