Save the Children! Child Abuse Awareness Month

Manchester+Times+article%2C+Childrens+Advocacy+Center+seeks+to+raise+abuse+awareness+by+John+Coffelt

Manchester Times article, Children’s Advocacy Center seeks to raise abuse awareness by John Coffelt

Halli Richards, Design and Layout Editor

April is child abuse awareness and prevention month. Unfortunately, Coffee County is ranked in the top five counties in Tennessee for the worst child abuse rates. Children who are abused are more likely to develop addictions, psychological disorders, and depression.  According to  a spokesperson with www.childhelp.org, “In 2014, state agencies identified an estimated 1,580 children who died as a result of abuse and neglect — which equals between four and five children a day. However, studies also indicate significant undercounting of child maltreatment fatalities by state agencies — by 50% or more. That’s roughly ¼ of your child’s elementary school class.”

A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds; these ten seconds could save a life. If you have suspicions of abuse, trained advocates are available  24 hours  every day to take calls through a toll free hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.

 

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