Help end child abuse

Child abuse is a terrible reality in our world, nation, state and community. With over 3 million reports of child abuse each year in this country, the rate of victimization is 12.3 per 1,000 children. Those are the cases that are reported. The rate of child abuse nationwide is estimated to be three times greater than is reported. Sadly, Alaska has the highest rate of substantiated child abuse in the United States, and it is certainly a significant problem in the Mat-Su Valley. Last year, nearly 160 children were evaluated for child sexual abuse or serious physical abuse at The Children's Place (www.childrens-place.org), the Mat-Su Valley’s child advocacy center.

April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month. The City of Wasilla has graciously allowed The Children’s Place to fly the Children’s Memorial Flag on the city flag pole across from Carrs on the Parks Highway for the month of April. Please watch for the red flag with the symbols of blue children on it. You will also notice the white outline of another child. This outline represents the children who die in this country each year because of abuse or neglect.

Several children have died in our community at the hands of abusers. This is absolutely unacceptable. We are asking for your help to prevent child abuse and promote awareness of this tragic and severe problem. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please report it immediately to the Office of Children’s Services or law enforcement. You may report anonymously.

The Children’s Place is working with members of a multidisciplinary team that includes the Office of Children’s Services, Alaska State Troopers and other local law enforcement, Division of Juvenile Justice, District Attorney’s Office, medical and mental health providers to address reports of child sexual abuse and serious physical abuse to children ages 0 to 18 in the Mat-Su Valley.

We work hard to address the cases that are reported, but if we don’t know about the abuse, we can’t help. Suspect abuse? Make a report. NOW. Do not wait until it’s too late. The children in our community are counting on caring adults to protect them.

Jen Downey

Executive director

The Children’s Place

Wasilla