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9 DENVER CATHOLIC | NOVEMBER 14-27, 2015 STATS IN COLORADO An average of 30 children were neglected/abused every day in 2014. CHILD ABUSE AFFECTS EVERYONE 10.4% Sexual 84.3% Neglect 15.3% Other TYPES OF ABUSE Some children su•er more than one type, hence the total is more than 100% AGE OF VICTIMS THAT'S A TOTAL OF 10,853 Mandatory reporters Family members General public WHO REPORTS CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN COLORADO 12% 16% 72% 5 years old or younger 4,932 6-12 years old 3,609 13-17 years old 2,284 SIGNS OF NEGLECT • Lacking necessary medical or dental care • Frequently absent from school • Stealing food or money • Lacking appropriate clothing for weather • Mentioning they lack adult supervision SIGNS OF ABUSE • Disclosing or displaying undernourishment • Becoming inexplicably withdrawn • Avoiding a certain person • Sudden change in school performance • Unexplained or inadequately explained bruises or injuries • Wearing long sleeves and pants in hot weather. THINGS TO KNOW • Child abuse can happen anywhere and to anyone • We are NOT hopeless to prevent it • You will likely not see abuse occur. You will only see the signs. • We must know the warning signs to protect our children • We must speak up! Tell someone if you're concerned! • We CAN create a safer world for our children if we all work together! OUR ARCHDIOCESE • The Archdiocese of Denver volunteers to be audited by the USCCB for adhering to child protection protocols. • The Archdiocese has had a comprehensive sexual misconduct policy in place since 1991. This evolved into the Code of Conduct, which all clergy, sta•, and volunteers MUST sign. • The most important thing we can do is remain vigilant. Call if you suspect child abuse and/or neglect 1-844-CO-4-KIDS Your call is confidential WHAT TO DO: • If you suspect abuse, call the police or 1-844-CO-4-KIDS. • Report any suspected abuse/neglect to the person in charge. Mandatory reporters shouldn't be making all the calls! • Talk to the person. Explain to them why their actions or behaviors are inappropriate or concerning. • Talk to the child. Tell them they can tell you anything, then ask them why they are behaving di•erently. • Parents: Teach your kids the names of their body parts, and that most people cannot touch there. Remind them that they aren't in trouble if someone else breaks the rules. SOURCES: ARCHDIOCESE OF DENVER OFFICE OF CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION | WWW.CO4KIDS.ORG story