Child abuse can happen in any home to any child.
Too many children in too many homes across Madison County know this to be fact.
According to local child advocates, Madison County ranks sixth in the state for substantiated Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases. It’s a number that’s been on the rise over the past several years.
In 2013, 500 substantiated neglect cases were registered in Madison County, a significant rise from 302 in 2009. The child abuse rate here is 21 victims per 1,000 children, more than double the national rate of 9.1 victims per 1,000.
It’s a problem across the state as well. The Department of Child Services reported 13,792 cases in February 2014. Its caseload had grown to 17,316 cases by February of this year.
Child advocates say the local increase is connected to the county’s drug problems. Children in homes where drugs are being abused by caregivers are more likely to be neglected or harmed. It’s not hard to imagine the truth of that statement here. After all, Madison County ranked No. 1 in the nation in meth lab busts just a few years ago.
It’s an emotional issue, especially for officers of the law and child advocates who see the grim reality of abuse every day. It’s also an uncomfortable issue, something we may rage against in our hearts and on social media but turn a blind eye to when we see it in the community.
It is our responsibility as a community to turn around the climbing numbers. Children can’t help the life they’re born into, and they’re often powerless to stand against their abusers. Their lives are on the line.
You can, and must, help. Indiana law requires anyone who suspects child abuse to report it.
And if you’re afraid of reprisal or don’t want to be inconvenienced, just stop for one minute and think of the fear a child feels when an unloving hand is poised to strike. Think of the agony a child feels when mom is feeding her drug habit instead of him. Think of the terror a child experiences when dad gets drunk and can’t stop throwing punches.
Think of that fear, and make the call.