In 2022, there were 504 cases reported of suspected child abuse or neglect in Erath County.
On Friday, March 31, in preparation of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, the Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center along with their partners and advocates, placed pinwheels in honor of 504 cases of child abuse that should have never occurred.
“Awareness of child abuse in our community isn’t just for doctors, social workers, law enforcement, or CPS workers – it’s for every adult and child. We want every community member to be aware of community resources, like Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center, to aid in prevention, prosecution, and healing from child abuse, but we also want to help raise awareness of the overall impact of untreated trauma and ACEs in our community,” Paluxy River CAC Lead Family Advocate Shelby Latham said.
ACE stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences, which could be one of 10 types of trauma a child experiences prior to their 18th birthday.
In being aware of signs and symptoms of child abuse, and reporting those concerns to proper authorities, citizens in our community can help to prevent children from experiencing further ACEs.
It is estimated that the lifetime costs associated with confirmed child abuse or maltreatment in Texas in 2019 alone is $52.9 billion. The impact reaches further, decreasing graduation and employment rates, increasing healthcare costs, and decreasing stability of families via missed workdays and decreased productivity.
“Child abuse impacts us all, and not only can you do something about it as an individual, but you should,” Latham said. “Child abuse happens in every town, state, and nation. Believing that child abuse or neglect only occurs in large cities is not true. It happens here, in your own community, or even at the house down the street. Please be aware and report if you suspect. Every child matters.”
504 pinwheels were placed outside the center in honor of the 504 cases of suspected child abuse or neglect that occurred in Erath County in 2022.
In 2022, Dublin PD itself, who works hand-in-hand with the Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center, investigated approximately 20 cases of child abuse last year. “While we will never eradicate child abuse, the Dublin Police Department will work tirelessly to investigate all reports of child abuse and when evidence exists, will work with our partners at the prosecutor’s offices, children’s advocacy center and department of family and protective services to ensure that justice is served and our victims are taken care of,” Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray said.
At the pinwheel ceremony many agencies gathered to show their support in fighting child abuse including Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy staff, interns and volunteers, Annie’s Therapeutic Companions, Our Community Our Kids, CASA for the Cross Timber’s Area, Cross Timbers Family Services, Erath County Sheriff’s Office, Stephenville Police Department, Erath County Child Welfare Board, Department of Family and Protective Services, STAR Council on Substance Abuse, Dublin Police Department and Erath County Juvenile Probation.
If you suspect a child is being abused, please call 800-252-5400 or contact your local law enforcement. Outside of Texas, please call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453.