April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Georgia and today is “Wear Blue Day” for agencies across the state. Folks are encouraged to wear blue to show their support for local child abuse prevention efforts.
The state estimates that one report of alleged child abuse comes in every 14 minutes in Georgia.
The following was provided to Now Habersham by the Interim Director of Rabun County’s Department of Family and Children Services, Laura Johnson –
Behind the Eyes of a Child
We have all seen a variety of cases in the media concerning the issues of child abuse, child sexual exploitation, and deprivation. Some of the facts and circumstances surrounding the majority of these cases invoke a variety of emotions, with the common denominators being anger and disgust.
As our emotions subside and we become more rational in collecting our thoughts, we present ourselves with questions. I.E.: How could this happen and why did this go on for so long? Why wasn’t something done? When you look into a child’s eyes we hope to see a reflection of all that is good and all that we wish we could be as adults. However, in some cases you see pain from emotional scars that won’t heal. Innocence taken and the broken pieces of a lost childhood left scattered among hope and happiness. Images that should be filled with color, hope, and possibility are replaced with darkness, sadness, guilt, and embarrassment. Sure life goes on, the wounds heal, but the scars remain.
While we are recognizing April as Child Abuse prevention month, I want all of us to do our own review of the children that we come in contact with.
We must learn to identify and focus on the awareness and identify clues which expose child abuse and neglect when we encounter it. It doesn’t matter whether or not you are a professional involved in some capacity with children and/or child care or just a good citizen simply shopping in one of our local establishments. If you see or hear something that raises a level of suspicion or concern, there is a toll free hotline available 24/7 to report suspicions of child abuse. 1-855-GA- CHILD (1-855-422-4453). You may also call 911 or the Sheriff’s office.
Most people do not know the first act of child Protection occurred in the early 1800s in the State of New York. The case involved intervention by the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). This intervention involved ordinary citizens, with an extraordinary passion to see that a child was protected and given a second chance, even though they were an animal rights organization. This paved the way for future child protection laws.
Together WE can make a difference in the lives of our children and shed light into the darkest places that are hidden behind the eyes of a child.
Those who make referrals to the Department of Family and Children Services are kept confidential and can be made by calling 1-855-GACHILD (1-855-422-4453) anywhere in the State of Georgia.
