Child abuse all too real

The numbers are pretty telling. The number of reported child abuse cases in Taylor County is on the increase.

A story on today's front page focuses on statistics from the statewide, nonprofit Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky agency in Lexington.

Last year, according to the organization, there were 379 cases of child abuse reported in Taylor County, involving 437 children. Of those, 58 cases were substantiated, involving 85 children.

In 2007, there were 269 cases, involving 369 children, reported in Taylor County. Of those, 58 were substantiated, involving 105 children.

But is the increase in cases reported truly an increase? Are people just more aware of what child abuse is and reporting it more? Even though some cases aren't counted as substantiated, hopefully those involved still got whatever help they needed.  

Regardless, the statistics don't reveal good news and don't guide us in the direction we would like statistics like these to move.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a month geared toward promoting child abuse education and raising awareness. In other words, the purpose is to educate communities about child abuse and make sure residents know what it is happening all over the state and in our own community.

Each year at this time, people across the nation focus on the horrifying reality of child abuse. But perhaps we should promote it every month ... even every day. It's certainly not a pleasant thought to realize that something so tragic actually happens in our own community. But it does. The numbers prove that.

If you suspect a child you know is a victim of child abuse, report it.

Today's children are tomorrow's future.

To find out how to get involved in child abuse prevention efforts, contact the Taylor County Attorney's Office at 469-9456, the local Protection and Permanency office at 465-3549 or Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky at (800) CHILDREN.