Coronavirus: Child Abuse Cases Increase During Quarantine

ABILENE, TX – According to the Regional Victim Crisis Center the number of child abuse cases is rising in the area. 

According to KTXS, as students spend more time at home during expanded class closures it becomes harder for at-risk students to be identified

“The timing is kind of unique because now we are all behind closed doors for the most part," said Janey Wawerna, the executive director for the Regional Victim Crisis Center. 

For many families home is a safe place, but for children suffering abuse that is not the case.

"Picture a 7-year-old in an abusive situation. They may absolutely not have any way to get help while they are closed in the home with the person that’s hurting them.”

More often than not children do not want to tell anyone they are facing an abusive situation and they tend to know their abuser personally. Schools provide an outlet for kids who need help.

"For our kids and for all victims — we need to be involved and be a lifeline to those folks that may not have another one,” said Wawerna.

Since mid-March 10 new cases of child abuse have been reported to the Regional Victim Crisis Center.

The Regional Victim Crisis Center launched a campaign that raises awareness and prevention against child abuse, sexual assault, and rape.