Child physical and sexual abuse is alarmingly prevalent in all communities. In Hunt County, approximately every 15 hours there is a confirmed case of child abuse. These crimes have a lifelong effect on children and what type of adults they will become. Many of us would like to believe that we would be able to recognize if abuse was happening to our own children. Even more of us believe that we would know who the perpetrator is. Unfortunately, upwards of 90% of all perpetrators is someone the child and the family knows, loves, and trusts; less than 1% of perpetrators are strangers.
National research and statistics show that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years of age. 1 in 10 children will tell. The statistics in Hunt County line up with those nationwide numbers as well. It is in our backyard! Perpetrators will groom the child and those around them to ensure the child will not tell and the perpetrator is not suspected. Grooming is typically done in a very subtle way by using words, gifts, and coercion, but could also be direct by using threats to the child.
This subject is difficult to discuss or believe that it exists to the level that it does. It is important for every adult to know the signs and if you suspect something, report it. Too many people do not want to make a report because they are afraid to get involved. It is every adults mandated duty, by law, to report to law enforcement or CPS any suspicion they may have about physical or sexual abuse relating to a child. You may be the person that saves that child’s life, childhood, etc. You do not have to have evidence, just a reasonable suspicion to make a report without malice.
Signs of child physical or sexual abuse may include: unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, returning to earlier behaviors (such as thumb sucking or bed wetting), fear of going home, changes in eating or sleeping habits, changes in school performance and attendance, lack of personal care or hygiene, risk-taking behaviors, and inappropriate sexual behaviors. If a child tells you something has happened to them, please follow these steps: listen to and tell them you believe them, remain calm, do NOT ask an abundance of questions, do NOT panic, and do NOT press the child to talk; contact law enforcement and call the Texas Child Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400 as soon as possible.
Children are counting on you to stand up for them and report your suspicions or any specific information a child tells you about child abuse. For more information you can contact Amy Ramsey at 903-454-9999.
Amy Ramsey/Director of Community Outreach & Education
Hunt County Children’s Advocacy Center/Crisis Center of Northeast Texas
DrugFree Greenville Public Education Committee