Stay Vigilant Of Child Abuse During Quarantine: Camden Prosecutor

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Child abuse doesn't end because everyone has been ordered to stay home. Many advocates actually believe the problem may become even worse: economic insecurity, unemployment, confinement and other stresses can be triggers for child abuse.

The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office is working to help educate on the signs of child abuse and resources available.

“Family members, teachers, counselors, and other adults are typically the people who would see the signs of child abuse and voice their concerns, so the stay-at-home order has a unique impact on the issue of child abuse,” Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer said. “We want to help educate others and spread the word about the help still available to at-risk children.”

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Investigators said members of the public can still hold video check-ins to gauge how a child is doing. If a video call isn’t possible, they can try scheduling a phone call. Visible bruises, fear of talking and loss of interest in usual activities are all signs that something could be wrong.

Physical and sexual abuse aren’t the only types of abuse that exist. Online dangers also exist. With kids having more access to the internet while they’re home for an extended period of time, detectives said it’s important to monitor their internet and cell phone usage.

Red flags include being secretive about their online activity or talking to names that don’t sound familiar. Sites like CommonSense.org can recommend age-appropriate apps, movies, and games to keep your children safely occupied.

The New Jersey Children’s Alliance also provides statistics, information and ways the public can help. Anyone suspects child abuse is happening, can call the Camden County Child Abuse Hotline at 856-614-8000 or the New Jersey State Hotline at 1-877 NJ ABUSE (652-2873).

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know