Riverside County Recognizes National Child Abuse Prevention Month

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Riverside County is asking residents to "advocate for children and families."

In the last fiscal year, Riverside County caseworkers responded to 51,500 reports of child abuse and neglect. More than 3 million cases of suspected abuse and neglect are reported annually nationwide. About three of every four cases reported are due to neglect, according to the county.

Despite the statistics, experts say abuse and neglect can be prevented.

“Each child deserves to live in a healthy and supportive community that is committed to acting and safeguarding against emotional, physical and sexual abuse,” Charity Douglas, assistant director of Children’s Services for the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, said in a county news release.

Douglas, whose department collaborates with public, private and faith-based partners to meet the needs of the children and families, said children suffer in silence.

“They carry immense guilt and shame because of sexual abuse. As children become adults, if their pain is unresolved, it impacts them in every area of their lives,” Douglas said.

On Tuesday, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors formally recognized April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“Child maltreatment can negatively impact the health and wellbeing of victims throughout their lives,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Riverside County District 2 Supervisor. “We are a better community and a more compassionate society when we value and protect the wellbeing of our children. Communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that create strong and thriving children and families.”

Residents can report suspected child abuse or neglect by calling the 24-hour Riverside County Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-442-4918. Residents outside of the county can call the National ChildHelp Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.