How Child Advocates Are Fighting Child Abuse during Covid-19 Pandemic

By Kathleen Jacob
Fox 17 TV
April 15, 2020

https://fox17.com/news/local/how-child-advocates-are-fighting-child-abuse-during-covid-19-pandemic

As more people spend time at home, child abuse cases are expected to rise. Plus, with kids being out of school, many of these cases are going unnoticed.

However, there are things people can be doing to protect these kids.

“If we think about the stress of raising young children in an average day and compound that with being isolated from your friends and family, having potential income loss, and not knowing when they’ll potentially have work again, it can compound very quickly.”

Kristen Davis with Prevent Child Abuse TN explains with those extra stressors, child advocates worry even more about kids, especially since they’re not seeing them in person.

“One in five reports of child abuse and neglect nationally come from educators,” Davis said.

Now, educators and youth leaders are getting creative. They’re coming up with signals students can use in virtual meet ups to indicate they need help.

In a similar vein, PCAT is making sure to get face to face contact with the families digitally so they’re still able to check in.

“We’re still able to lay eyes on the kids and still see what’s happening in the home,” Davis said.

She says while people are all still mandatory reporters, prevention of child abuse is the key. Their biggest suggestion is to check on those parents you know who are struggling with their kids.

“As much as possible, divert that parents attention away from that by giving that child compliments or telling the parent they’re doing a great job,” Davis said.

For parents struggling with this new way of life a helpline and counseling resources can be found here: pcat.org.

If you’re able to donate at this time, PCAT needs non-perishable food items, diapers, and wipes.