Texas Officials Promote Child Abuse Prevention Month

AUSTIN, TEXAS — State officials are hoping to raise awareness on child abuse prevention at a public event this week.

On Thursday, April 18, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Department of Family and Protective Services, Region 7, is hosting the "Light of Hope" event to heighten awareness about Child Abuse Prevention Month. The event is planned at the Carver library branch grounds at 1161 Angelina St. in Austin.

Light of Hope is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates healthy families through music, activities, food and drink. Everyone is invited to attend, officials said. The event will also include local organizations providing information about services and programs for families.

Related story: WilCo Promotes Child Abuse Prevention Month

Grim statistics provided by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services related to child abuse speak to the need for such awareness efforts:

• Number of confirmed victims of child abuse/neglect in Travis County—2018: 9,433; Victims/1,000 Child Population: 31.66.
• Total number of children (called in about) is 9,433–alleged victims.
• 7,305 unconfirmed victims (24.52 per 1,000).
• 2,128 confirmed victims (7.14 per 1,000).
• Number of confirmed victims of child abuse/neglect in Texas—2018: 280,911; Victims/1,000 Child Population: 37.04..
• 280,911 was the total number of children called in about (37.04 per 1,000).
• 66,382 is the number of confirmed child victims (8.75 per 1,000).
• 214,529 is the number of unconfirmed child victims (28.29 per 1,000).

Report Abuse or Neglect

Do you know the signs of abuse and neglect? If you suspect child abuse or neglect, contact the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400 or report online at TxAbuseHotline.org.

DFPS prevention hotlines and websites

• Child Abuse Prevention: HelpAndHope.org.
• Infant Sleeping Death Prevention: BabyRoomToBreathe.org..
• Texas Youth Hotline: TexasYouth.org.
• DFPS: Report Abuse Page.