Bad things have always gone on behind closed doors, and now is no exception.
April is traditionally the month society turns its attention to preventing sexual assault and child abuse. And though the COVID-19 virus has upended the way we live our daily lives, neither issue has gone away. Both, perhaps, are just more well-hidden during these stay-at-home times.
“The unfortunate reality is home is not always a safe haven for everyone. For many children, the doors being shut to keep out the dangers of the virus are the very doors that are trapping them inside with another very real threat – someone in their family,” said Maggie Ortuno, a forensics interviewer with the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center.
“On paper, the number of children being abused and neglected in Texas appears to be going down as the state reckons with the viral outbreak. However, those of us who work child abuse investigations know that is simply not the case. Although fewer reports of suspected child abuse are being called into the state’s abuse hotline, the truth is children are at a much higher risk of being abused during this global crisis.”
Specifically, children who are isolated with their families, and family members are more likely than strangers to be the ones at fault. These days, opportunities for outcry to someone outside the home, like a teacher or trusted family friend, are gone.
“The heightened stress of income instability, food shortages, global health concern, lack of childcare and economic uncertainty combine to create a recipe for disaster for children in a household with an abusive guardian who may already lack self-control,” Ortuno continued. “The added stress is akin to adding fuel to a fire. Also, children and teens are now spending much more time online, which provides the threat of online predators having increased accessibility to sexually exploit them.”
She said even as we’re staying home, people should be vigilant when they perceive abuse to be occurring, even if seen from a distance. “We are calling on you, the public, to help us fight this unseen crisis,” she said. “We must all be the eyes and ears for abused and neglected children in our communities.”
She also urged parents to be aware of their children’s online activities and know what content they are exposed to. “High-stress situations precipitate many child abuse incidents and the COVID-19 pandemic provides no shortage of stressful circumstances,” she said.
If you suspect child abuse or sexual assault, call 800-252-5400 or visit txabusehotline.org
