Child Abuse Reports Surge In Kane Co. Amid Coronavirus Lockdown

KANE COUNTY, IL — Though felony and misdemeanor cases are down considerably compared to this time last year, local law enforcement agencies have seen an “alarming” spike in incidents of child abuse and neglect during the state’s coronavirus shutdown, according to Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon.

The majority of child abuse and neglect cases are referred to the Department of Child and Family Services by teachers, social workers and other mandatory reporters in schools and other institutions. But reports of abuse and neglect jumped by almost 50 percent in March and April compared to last spring, despite those institutions being shut down, McMahon said, according to a report by the Aurora Beacon-News.

Kane County Coronavirus Cases Climb Past 2,500

Thirty-seven cases of child abuse and neglect were reported to Kane County authorities in March and April, up from 23 over the same period last year and eight in 2018, McMahon said. In recent months, most abuse and neglect cases and investigations have been initiated by local police departments responding to calls amid the coronavirus pandemic, the report states.

The number of felony cases in the county is down 15 percent from last spring and misdemeanor cases are down 34 percent over the same period, the report states.

Illinois Coronavirus Update May 11— Don't miss updates about precautions in the Geneva area as they are announced — Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.