Officials note signs of progress toward ending child abuse – The Recorder

GREENFIELD Singing You got the power in me, Ive got the power in you, Federal Street School students helped to uplift the mood for an annual event to bring awareness to child abuse.

The mayor spoke about his wishes that this event wouldnt have to happen, the Northwest District Attorney expressed wishes to end child abuse altogether and the community gathered in the Greenfield Town Common, huddled together on a gray, drizzly day on Friday.

This year, once again leaders in the community raised a flag for Child Abuse Awareness Month. The day also rang in a reminder of the first anniversary of the opening of the Childrens Advocacy Center of Franklin County and the North Quabbin.

The change that we have seen is that its so much easier to bring people together in a family-friendly place, Northwest District Attorney David E. Sullivan said after the ceremony.

Nonetheless he, and others in the community noted the severity of the issue, in what Sullivan called a serious epidemic.

Countywide, there were about 2,600 cases of child abuse reported to the Department of Children and Families last year, with about 650 of them becoming supported cases, which require government intervention, Childrens Advocacy Center Director Irene Woods said.

In 2016, 122 kids were interviewed by the department in Greenfield. Nearly half of the kids were boys. Most of the cases were concerning sexual abuse. National statistics show that one in six boys before the age of 18 will experience abusive sexual experiences, compared to one in four girls.

Weve been doing a lot of work in identifying the offenders that are really high risk offenders, said Mary A. Kociela, the director of Domestic Violence Projects at the District Attorneys Office.

Intervention is a significant part in the district attorneys work, but so is prevention.

The director, who is also chairwoman of the mayors Task Force on Domestic Violence, said a key effort the county is doing to combat the issue is helping first responders recognize signs of who may be a high risk offender.

Another element is education and training of families about how to respond to child abuse.

Parenting is not easy and its difficult to come forward and seek resources in a time of need when people are confused or scared and not sure what to do, Rep. Paul Mark, D-Peru said. Having this center and having this awareness makes it a little easier.

As the community leaders left, some heading over to the court for its official opening in the hours following, the flag remained atop the pole, as it will all month long.

View original post here:

Officials note signs of progress toward ending child abuse - The Recorder