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Dear Editor: In lieu of the recent Penn State scandal and ousting of football coach Joe Paterno, I find myself asking “Why is our society willing to call law enforcement if they witness a murder, bank robbery, or even an automobile accident when if child abuse is the crime, which when witnessed or suspected, it is not immediately reported to the authorities?” We all have a duty - be it legal or moral - to stop abuse if we see it and report it when we learn of it. We probably need to understand the human tendencies that keep people from reporting. We need to address those fears and tendencies if we are going to be effective in encouraging people to report abuse. Unfortunately it is more common for child sexual abuse to NOT be reported (only 10% of victims actually disclose) as children are often threatened by perpetrators of abuse. It takes tremendous courage on the part of child victims to make disclosures about their abuse. Adults owe it to children to be courageous too. The “scandals” of authorities going to great efforts to cover up child abuse within their organizations are common. By NOT reporting, you are protecting alleged perpetrators who are often predators who torture children. We see this every week in our work at Child Advocacy Center of Rockingham County. Statistics reflect that children suffering abuse who do not receive a strong intervention are 67 times more likely to become juvenile offenders. By offering services to 100% of Rockingham County children that are victimized by abuse, we are making a difference in the life of our community every day. For more information on how to recognize and report child abuse go to www.cacnh.org. Maureen "Moe" Sullivan, Executive Director Child Advocacy Center of Rockingham County
Dear Editor: In lieu of the recent Penn State scandal and ousting of football coach Joe Paterno, I find myself asking “Why is our society willing to call law enforcement if they witness a murder, bank robbery, or even an automobile accident when if child abuse is the crime, which when witnessed or suspected, it is not immediately reported to the authorities?” We all have a duty - be it legal or moral - to stop abuse if we see it and report it when we learn of it. We probably need to understand the human tendencies that keep people from reporting. We need to address those fears and tendencies if we are going to be effective in encouraging people to report abuse. Unfortunately it is more common for child sexual abuse to NOT be reported (only 10% of victims actually disclose) as children are often threatened by perpetrators of abuse. It takes tremendous courage on the part of child victims to make disclosures about their abuse. Adults owe it to children to be courageous too. The “scandals” of authorities going to great efforts to cover up child abuse within their organizations are common. By NOT reporting, you are protecting alleged perpetrators who are often predators who torture children. We see this every week in our work at Child Advocacy Center of Rockingham County. Statistics reflect that children suffering abuse who do not receive a strong intervention are 67 times more likely to become juvenile offenders. By offering services to 100% of Rockingham County children that are victimized by abuse, we are making a difference in the life of our community every day. For more information on how to recognize and report child abuse go to www.cacnh.org. Maureen "Moe" Sullivan, Executive Director Child Advocacy Center of Rockingham County
To report suspected child abuse or neglect in New Hampshire, call 1-800-894-5533
Adventure Race
78.7372%
Current Amount: $3936.86
Target: $5000
