By: Jolea Richardson
BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (UATV) – April is Child Abuse Awareness Month.
Child abuse is all forms of physical, mental, or sexual mistreatment of a child.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 64% of adults reported experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). In Benton County, 919 children reported child abuse last year. According to the Benton County Child and Family Advocacy Center, the average age of children experiencing abuse is three years old.
Natalie Tibbs is the executive director of the Benton County Child and Family Advocacy Center, which is a part of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas. These centers work with law enforcement to investigate claims of child abuse.
“We make sure that we’re filling the gaps to provide the resources necessary, whether it’s mental health, whether it’s poverty, whether it’s stress,” Tibbs said.
If it is suspected that a child has experienced abuse, they first go through a forensic exam, where the interviewer asks questions relating to the incident. The interview is recorded and reviewed by police.
Depending on the situation, the child may undergo a medical exam conducted at the center. They also provide legal help and mental health services for the child and their family. All services at the center are free.
During April, pinwheels are placed around the community to raise awareness for child abuse prevention. The pinwheels stand for the innocence of childhood.
“The pinwheels represent resilience in children. Children who have been brave enough to tell their story. Children who have experienced things that they weren’t supposed to, but more importantly, they’ve been provided access to resources,” Tibbs said.
The community is also asked to wear blue during this month, which represents child abuse prevention.
Tibbs said that if someone suspects a child is experiencing abuse, they should call the Arkansas child abuse hotline.
“We don’t want a community thinking that they have to interview children themselves or determine the details themselves. We encourage people to call the hotline so that the proper investigative agencies can get involved.”
The number for the hotline is 1-800-482-5964. Mandated reporters can also submit a report at mandatedreporter.arkansas.gov