25-03-2025
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month in Cherokee County
County Judge Chris Davis recently signed a proclamation naming April as Child Abuse Awareness Month in Cherokee County.
The proclamation recognizes that children thrive when provided a safe, stable, nurturing environment and that it is critical to build a support system for families in crisis. The document also states that child maltreatment is still a significant public health issue.
'Child abuse prevention occurs every day through the diligent work and the tireless advocacy undertaken by Texas families, friends, neighbors, houses of faith, advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, schools, health-care providers, social workers and government agencies to support children and families in every community across the Lone Star State,' reads the proclamation.
'Child abuse and prevention cannot be tasked to one community, agency or system,' the proclamation continues. 'Together, we can create a brighter future for children, families and communities in Texas and ensure tomorrow's leaders have the support they need to thrive and reach their potential.'
Cherokee County Family Services Board President Jaclyn Tyler said it is important for the community to work together to shed light on the issue.
'It is our responsibility to protect those that are unable to protect themselves,' Tyler said. 'April is a month we can all come together as a community and spread awareness. It is critical that this issue stays as a community focus when we are interacting with our local youth population and are always aware of situations that need to be reported.'
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services notes the following signs of child abuse.
Physical Abuse:
– Frequent injuries such as bruises, cuts, black eyes, or burns without adequate explanations
– Frequent complaints of pain without obvious injury
– Burns or bruises in unusual patterns that may indicate the use of an instrument or human bite; cigarette burns on any part of the body
– Lack of reaction to pain
– Extreme fear of going home or seeing parents
– Injuries that appear after a child has not been seen for several days
– Unreasonable clothing that may hide injuries to arms or legs
Neglect:
– Obvious malnourishment
– Consistent concern for lack of personal hygiene that poses a health risk
– Stealing or begging for food
– Child unattended for long periods of time
– Unaddressed need for dental care or other medical attention
Sexual Abuse:
– Physical signs of sexually transmitted diseases
– Evidence of injury to the genital area
– Pregnancy in a young girl
– Difficulty in sitting or walking
– Extreme fear of being alone with adults of a certain sex
– Sexual comments, behaviors, or play beyond what is considered age-appropriate behavior
– Knowledge of sexual relations beyond what is expected for a child's age
– Sexual victimization of other children
Emotional Abuse:
– Over compliance or low self-esteem caused by scapegoating or verbal abuse by caregivers
– Severe depression, anxiety, or aggression
– Lagging in physical, emotional, and intellectual development
– Caregiver who belittles the child, withholds love, and seems unconcerned about the child's problems
– Significant changes to behavior, such as withdrawal or over-aggression
– Significant changes to weight, such as substantial weight gain or weight loss.
If one suspects a child is being abused, Texas law requires it be reported. Suspected abuse should be reported to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Reporting can be done by use of a 24-hour, toll-free abuse hotline, 1-800-252-5400. The identity of reporters is confidential and reports can be made anonymously.
According to the DFPS website, 'You are protected by law from liability when you make a report or provide information in good faith during a CPS investigation. However, you are not protected from civil or criminal liability if you report your own abuse or neglect of a child or intentionally file a false report against someone else.'
