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‘Child abuse prevention month' highlights big issue in Anderson County

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – Leaders in Anderson County passed a resolution proclaiming April 'Child Abuse Prevention Month.' It's an effort, they said, that highlights a big problem in the region. 'Child abuse is prevalent in Anderson, and there are a lot of children who are being abused,' said Anderson County Councilmember Glenn Davis. Anderson County councilmembers told 7NEWS they made the declaration in early April to bring attention to local organizations fighting child abuse. 'Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable and nurturing environment, free from abuse and neglect,' Davis also said. Calvary Home for Children and New Foundations Home for Children advocated for Child Abuse Prevention Month. They said more than 15,000 cases of child abuse are reported to South Carolina's Department of Social Services every year. The organizations serve families struggling with domestic violence, drug addiction and other issues. 'It's really about starting a conversation. Does a proclamation end child abuse across the country? No. But does it start a conversation so we can remove some of the shame? Yes,' Calvary Home for Children Executive Director Laura Lindsley told 7NEWS. 'Every two and a half minutes, a kid enters foster care, and so, bringing some awareness to that is a big deal.' The nonprofits said they've been running campaigns all month long for child abuse prevention. They encourage people to say something if they see something that doesn't look right. 'I think just keeping an open ear and an open eye with children. Take things seriously. If they say something, and it's out of the norm for that child, ask a couple of questions,' said New Foundations Home for Children CEO Steve Dean. 'Just be aware. Be compassionate, and be ready to be involved and get a child help if you know or even believe that something has happened.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.