It Takes a Village: Why Child Abuse is a Community Problem
Since the quarantine started due to COVID-19, families have been under extreme amounts of stress; schools have been shut down, unemployment rates are skyrocketing, and every day there are new challenges that continue to pile up. It’s no wonder that we are feeling overwhelmed and powerless. During times of economic and emotional stress, statistics show a strong increase in child abuse. However, DCFS is currently exhibiting more than a 50% reduction in calls to their child abuse hotline. Sarah Welliver, the DCFS Public Information Officer, has expressed her concern with the recent decrease in reported child abuse cases:
"With fewer suspected cases being reported to our hotline, we are concerned the decline isn't an accurate picture of what's going on in our communities. The reality is that incidents of abuse are more likely on the rise due to additional strains on Utah families. With schools and community programs closing, the people who normally see children are not, so we're losing that visibility. It's more important than ever for children and families to know there are resources and supports available to them."
Due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, schools and community programs are closed which means children are less visible to the public. During this time of social distancing, it is important to check in on your family members and neighbors, whether this is via phone or video, especially if you had concerns about child abuse prior to the pandemic. Stress is at an all-time high and as a community, it is our responsibility to reach out and provide social support. You never know how your call could impact someone.
Why is child abuse a community problem?
“Parents want to help their child but often they are in a place where they can’t
and it takes the community stepping in to help that child grow and become resilient.”
-Connie Crosby, Canyons School District Homeless Student Liaison
Last year Utah had 10,950 confirmed victims of child abuse. Child abuse happens in every community, regardless of race or economic status. It is important to remember that not every parent is aware they are abusing their children; oftentimes, child abuse can be an unintentional by-product of the way the parent was raised. In an actively changing world and as a member of the community, you will play a role in a child’s life, whether big or small.
Since the beginning of COVID-19, Utah County dispatch has seen a 75% increase in domestic violence calls. Jenn Oxborrow with the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition stated,
“Understand when domestic violence is happening in the presence of children, that is child abuse. It is harmful to kids, it doesn’t matter how young they are.”
Our communities are struggling and as a result, our children are at risk. We need to come together and be voices for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Who should report?
Utah is a mandatory reporter state, meaning any individual who suspects, has reason to believe or observes an individual being subjected to conditions or circumstances that could result in abuse or neglect, you must report. This report must be made to any law enforcement agency or the Division of Child and Family Services, which offers complete anonymity. The Department of Child and Family Services’ hotline number is 1-855-323-3237.
What are the four types of abuse?
Physical abuse is when physical harm or injury is inflicted on a child. Although this type of abuse may be intentional, it can also be the result of excessive physical punishment. Physically abusive parents may act out of anger or use fear to control their child’s behavior. Children facing physical abuse may have unexplained bruises, burns, black eyes, or broken bones. They may be fearful of their parents and/or other adults.
Neglect is a common form of child abuse and isn’t always easy to detect. Neglect is when a parent exhibits a pattern of failing to meet their child’s basic needs. Children facing neglect may show signs of inadequate clothing, lack of food, consistently poor hygiene, and lack of proper supervision. The child may also frequently be absent from school.
Sexual abuse is sexual activity involving a minor. This form of abuse doesn’t always involve bodily contact, it also includes exposing a child to sexual situations. This type of abuse often is layered with guilt and shame which can make it difficult for children to come forward. Consider the possibility if a child is having difficulty walking or sitting, shows unusual sexual knowledge, reports inappropriate behavior by an adult, or runs away from home.
Emotional abuse is often a misunderstood and a hard-to-define form of abuse that can damage a child’s growing brain, leading to learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and other mental and physical issues. The child may show extremes in behavior, acts inappropriately adult (parenting other children) or inappropriately infantile (thumb sucking or throwing tantrums), or doesn’t seem to be attached to a parent or caregiver.
What can we do?
Let’s be honest, when it comes to raising and taking care of children, it takes a village! As a member of the community, you play a role, whether big or small, in a child’s life and it is important that you are able to recognize the signs of abuse. If you would like to learn how to recognize and prevent child abuse please visit PCAU. Prevent Child Abuse Utah has a variety of courses tailored to help you become an advocate for the children within your community.
Parents, the Family Support Center wants you to know you are not alone! In light of recent events, life has created a new brand of stress. If you are in need of support, please reach out and take advantage of a variety of resources offered in Utah. Listed below are just a few of the options available.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Free crisis intervention via SMS message. Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
Free and confidential help and support for victims and survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence are available 24/7.
Homeless Resource Centers: 801-990-9999
Providing emergency temporary shelter with high-impact interventions.
Family Support Center
Crisis Nurseries: 801-255-6881 (Midvale), 801-967-4259 (West Valley), 801-487-7778 (Sugarhouse). FREE care for children ages 0-11. Reasons for care can include child(ren) at risk of abuse or neglect, family crisis/emergencies, stress/respite breaks, treatment/medical appointments, legal/work obligations, and more.
SafeUT App: Download on your smartphone.
Real-time crisis intervention and a confidential tip program for youth. It can help anyone with emotional crises, bullying, relationship problems, mental health, or suicide-related issues.
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
Provides 24/7 support to LGBTQ+ youth
TrevorText: Text START to 678678
2-1-1 is a free and confidential number that people across Utah can call or text to find the resources they need, including food pantry locations, legal assistance, tax help, volunteer opportunities, and more.
UNI Crisis Intervention and Hospital Diversion
Warm Line: 801-587-1055 For Salt Lake County residents who are not in crisis, but seeking support, engagement, or encouragement.
Mobile Crisis Outreach Team: face-to-face response to any resident of Salt Lake County who is experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
Receiving Center: Short term secure center staffed by mental health professionals – stay up to 23 hours.
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 / Press 1
Are you a veteran in crisis or concerned about a veteran? Call 24/7
-Courtney Eborn, Family Support Center’s Volunteer and Retention Specialist
