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Child Abuse is now a national emergency. It is estimated that 3 million children are abused every year in the USA of whom about 2-5,000 children will die. It is also very well known that for every case of child abuse that comes to our attention, there are many children who go undetected and unreported.
There are many types of child maltreatment i.e., physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. Therefore, child abuse can be an act of omission or an act of commission. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the offender is usually someone the child knows and trusts.
Forensic Pediatricians work in Multidisciplinary teams in Child Advocacy Centers (CAC). The largest CAC in AZ is called CHILDHELP, a unique private non profit organization that houses law enforcement officers, Forensic Pediatricians, CPS, Forensic Interviewers, Social Workers, Therapists, and Volunteers etc. They work as a dedicated team to investigate and prosecute child molesters and abusers. There are similar CAC's in Mesa, Glendale and Scottsdale. |
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| Interested in Child Abuse Prevention? |
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There are numerous organizations Nationally and in AZ working towards Child Abuse Prevention. You can volunteer in terms of time, support or money. One way to contribute is by ordering a special license plate (“It Shouldn't Hurt To Be A Child”) for your vehicle from the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles. $17 of the initial and annual renewal fee goes to a special fund for Child Abuse Prevention Programs. |
| Who can report suspected Child Abuse? |
Anyone can report suspected child abuse.
It can be done anonymously.
Certain professionals such as health care workers, teachers, counselors, police officers etc are required by law to report suspected child abuse.
All that is needed is “reasonable grounds to believe” that child maltreatment has occurred.
Call CPS 1.888.SOS.CHILD to report suspected physical abuse or call your local police department.
Call CRIMESTOP 602.262.6151 to report suspected sexual abuse.
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