Reports of child abuse in county rise six percent, top 4,700 in 2005

Officials say statistics show awareness of abuse is growing, but more needs to be done

Awareness campaign to coincide with National Child Abuse Awareness Month is launched

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Reports of child abuse made to the Onondaga County Child Abuse Hotline rose more than 6 percent in 2005 to 4,775.   Officials say the rise in calls is a positive indication that awareness of child abuse issues is growing, but they stress that cases of child abuse—sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect—are underreported.  

Child abuse experts, members of the county District Attorney's Office and Department of Social Services cited the statistics as the need to continue to gain community involvement in the fight against child abuse by ensuring that every member of the community educate themselves on the warning signs of abuse and be willing to act on their suspicions by making a report.  

“Speak to the child, good communication may reduce the child's vulnerability to abuse and increase the likelihood that the child will tell you if abuse has occurred” said Jennifer Parmalee, executive director of the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Site, located at 509 West Onondaga Street, that site provides a comforting safe location for abused children and non-offending family members to meet with physicians, child protective services workers and other service providers.

Parmalee said the effects of child abuse are profound and longlived.   “Abused children are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, low self esteem, substance abuse, learning disabilities, homelessness, and behavioral trouble that may lead to incarceration,” she said.   “All of these consequences represent enormous costs to society in terms of funding needed for child protection, health care, substance abuse treatment, juvenile justice, mental health services, and more.“

To help raise awareness of child abuse issues, Parmalee announced a monthlong campaign to include internet safety poster displays at various supermarkets.   Banners will also be hung throughout the city urging the community to “keep every child safe.”   In addition, University Hospital , who serves abused children through its Child Abuse Referral and Evaluation (CARE) program will hold presentations throughout the month to help staff and others identify and report child abuse cases.  

As part of the awareness campaign, Onondaga County has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Awareness Month.   The proclamation urges all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, and businesses to actively participate in the care and protection of our children. ­­­

-###-