Bucks County officials have declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, emphasizing the crucial role of community involvement in safeguarding children and fostering their well-being.
The proclamation was announced by Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia at a recent commissioners meeting.
The commissioners stressed that children are “some of our most innocent and vulnerable residents” who deserve lives free from violence, abuse, and neglect.
“Child abuse includes physical and psychological harm inflicted upon a child which leaves those affected to sustain lifelong physical and emotional challenges,” stated Ellis-Marseglia.
Lindsey Cooper, a program specialist with Bucks County Children and Youth, reported that the agency addressed 9,424 reports of child abuse and neglect in the last fiscal year, impacting 4,191 families and 9,173 children.
“Ongoing supportive and preventive services were provided to 944 families and 2,887 children in our county,” Cooper said, highlighting the dedication of agency staff and the county’s collaborative network of organizations working to combat child abuse.
Penny Ettinger, executive director of the Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA), a local nonprofit, explained that her organization serves victims of all ages with a dual focus: preventing violence through education and ensuring child abuse survivors receive specialized trauma-informed care.
“Through our school-based and community prevention programs, NOVA reaches out to more than 20,000 children and adults every year,” Ettinger said.
Despite prevention efforts, Bucks County still sees thousands of child abuse reports annually, including cases of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and children witnessing crimes.
To provide support, NOVA established the nationally accredited Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in 2010.
The center is a safe, child-friendly environment allows children and teens who have disclosed abuse to share their experiences with trained forensic interviewers.
“Three hundred plus children and their caregivers come to the CAC annually where a multidisciplinary team including CYS, the district attorney’s office, law enforcement, NOVA counselors, victim advocates and medical experts work together to investigate allegations, reduce trauma and connect families to critical support,” Ettinger explained.
Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn underscored her office’s commitment to working with the county, nonprofits, and law enforcement to end abuse, including sexual exploitation.
Last year, the district attorney noted, Bucks County led the state in internet crimes against children arrests.
Advertisement
Convenient Legal Access to High Quality Cannabis Just A Few Minutes Away!
