In a world where certain challenges are brought to the forefront of public consciousness, others continue to linger in the shadows, hidden from view. I am compelled to bring attention to a stark reality: child abuse is an epidemic with an incident rate that surpasses even that of cancer.

According to The Leadership Council on Child Abuse and Interpersonal Violence, the incidence rate of child abuse and neglect in this country is about 10 times as high (40 children per 1,000 children per year) as the incidence rate for all forms of cancer (3.9 individuals per 1,000 per year). In this blog post, I aim to shed light on this heartbreaking truth, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action and awareness to combat this silent crisis.

The Unseen Epidemic. While the world unites against visible adversaries like cancer, child abuse persists as a silent epidemic that often goes unnoticed. Behind closed doors, children bear the brunt of abuse, leaving lasting scars on their physical, emotional and psychological well-being.

Understanding the Numbers. While the incident rate of child abuse far surpasses that of cancer, the latter is widely discussed and researched, as child abuse remains shrouded in secrecy, hindering our ability to address it effectively.

A Call for Awareness. Awareness campaigns for cancer have saved countless lives; increasing awareness about child abuse can do the same. By shining a spotlight on this issue, we can empower individuals, communities and institutions to take action and break the cycle of abuse.

Prevention and Early Intervention. Just as early detection is crucial in cancer prevention, recognizing the signs of child abuse and intervening early are paramount to protecting our children. ChildHelp, which established the nation’s first child abuse reporting hotline, explains 10 signs that abuse may be occurring:

1. Changes in behavior: appearing scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn or more aggressive.
2. Returning to earlier behaviors, such as bedwetting or thumb sucking.
3. Fear of going home.
4. Changes in eating, which may result in weight gain or weight loss.
5. Changes in sleeping.
6. Changes in school performance and attendance.
7. Lack of personal care or hygiene.
8. Risk-taking behaviors, such as using drugs or alcohol or carrying a weapon.
9. Inappropriate sexual behaviors like exhibiting overly sexualized behavior or using explicit sexual language.
10. Unexplained injuries, such as burns or bruises in the shape of objects, often accompanied by unconvincing explanations of the child’s injuries.

Children experiencing abuse may show some or none of these signs. ChildHelp advises that it’s important to trust your instincts; if you suspect something is wrong, report it. In Arizona, you can call the DCS Statewide Toll-Free Child Abuse Hotline at 1-888-767-2445 (1-888-SOS-CHILD) or by calling a local law enforcement agency. By equipping individuals with the knowledge about how to spot red flags and report suspicions, we can save lives.

The Role of Child Advocacy Centers. The Navajo County Family Advocacy Center plays a vital role in addressing the child abuse epidemic head-on. The FAC provides a safe haven for victims, offers support and resources, and works tirelessly to prevent abuse and heal the wounds of survivors.

A Unified Effort. Just as communities unite in the fight against cancer, we must also come together to combat child abuse. By breaking the silence, advocating for policy changes, and supporting organizations like the Navajo County Family Advocacy Center, we can create a society where children are protected and nurtured.

Child abuse may be a silent epidemic, but it is not an insurmountable one. As your Navajo County Attorney, I am dedicated to using my platform to raise awareness, advocate for child advocacy, and support the Navajo County Family Advocacy Center. I invite you to join me in shedding light on this critical issue, recognizing its staggering incident rate, and taking action to prevent and address child abuse. Together, through our collective efforts, we can bring about a brighter future for our children – one where their safety, well-bein, and potential are nurtured and protected.