In many cases, the first signs of neglect can be subtle and easy to dismiss without proper awareness. This Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Western Illinois Regional Council Community Services and Public Relations Director Jamie Roth reports signs to be on the lookout for with children:
“It is basically ignoring the child in a way that causes physical and mental harm. It looks different in every household. It could be malnutrition; it could be not taking them to get the medical care and then something terrible further happens to the child. One in seven children in the United States has experienced some type of abuse or neglect. That should make people just absolutely alarmed. It is something they need to be aware of, be aware of the signs and to believe their children whenever they disclose something like that to them. It is taking a lot of bravery and there is a lot of fear going into that.”
A 24 hour, 7 days a week, free and confidential crisis hotline with Western Illinois Regional Council can be reached at 309-837-5555.
