Preventing Child Abuse

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “We like to think all child abuse can be prevented,” says Bett Williams, Director of Communications for the Children’s Trust of South Carolina says preventing child abuse goes further than the child’s home. “Communities and families have to have the resources, the resilience, the knowledge of bonding with their children and what’s appropriate behavior,” says Williams. In light of the recent alleged child abuse case in Kershaw County, Williams believes there was a way out. “I do think that at some point could she have reached out anoymously to say…hey there is a situation, here is the location, he is the name of the child, I don’t want to leave my name, I fear for my own safety,” says Williams. But she says there are times when extenuating circumstances prevent that. “They don’t think broad enough past their own horrible situation to think wait a minute, this isn’t right,” says Williams. Crandall Sims reporting, “April is child abuse awareness month, according to officials is a crime that costs the state a half a billion dollars every year.” Friday, leaders from across the Midlands signed a proclamation to stand up against child abuse, together. “It’s important because it allows us to show that we are connected to keep criminals from slipping through the cracks,” says Richland County Solicitor, Dan Johnson. But you can help too, by looking for certain signs. “Unintended medical needs, unexplained bruises, a broken leg, stories that don’t add up, a shift in child’s behavior,” says Williams. Williams says there are protective factors to keep in mind to help prevent child abuse, such as: Nurturing and love at home, handling a bad day properly and knowledge of child development. “You can get mad at a 2 year old for spilling a cup of milk, but their hands may not be big enough to hold that cup of milk, it’s no reason to harm a child…it is reason to lower your expectations,” says Williams. If you know of or suspect child abuse officials ask that you call the Department of Social Services or 911. Also, if you are someone in need you can call 211 for help with resources and you can visit The Children’s Trust of South Carolina’s website at www.scchildren.org