Child Abuse Reports Plummet During Virginia Coronavirus

VIRGINIA — As Virginia's school closures and stay-at-home order keeps kids at home, the effects are showing up in a drastic way in the number of hotline calls to Child Protective Services. Since March 12, the day Gov. Ralph Northam's issued his executive order for residents to stay at home, a spokesperson for state's Department of Social Services tells Patch, "we have witnessed a marked decline in calls to our CPS hotline."

And that's cause for concern: As child welfare advocates have pointed out in similar cases across the country, a decrease in hotline calls doesn't mean there's less abuse happening. It means fewer people are reporting it, because kids aren't coming in contact with relatives or mandated reporters, such as teachers, who might otherwise sound the alarm.

In an email, department spokeswoman Clethisha Lovelace said that while exact figures aren't available, the department estimates their hotline has received "approximately 1,600 fewer calls last month than typically received."

"We will continue to monitor call volume throughout the COVID-19 crisis," the statement continued. She added that the department is exploring "collective strategies with our public/private partners to address child safety concerns."

It's not just a statewide concern. In the first week of March, Fairfax County's CPS recorded 438 calls to its hotline. Last week, according to a report by WTOP News, the calls fell to just 61.

The reality of the quarantine is that it's far more difficult for people separated by distance and geography to look out for one another.

In remarks to WTOP News, Allison Lowry, the program manager of child abuse and neglect prevention services for Fairfax County advised, “Don't be hesitant. Keep your eyes and ears on kids in your neighborhoods and kids in your families."

Are you experiencing or witnessing abuse? The state's CPS hotline remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Complaints can be submitted by phone at 800-552-7096 or email virginiastatehotline@dss.virginia.gov.

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