Pappas Draws Attention to the Acute Issue of Child Abuse and Neglect During Child Abuse Prevention Month

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – State Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, a member of the House Adoption and Child Welfare Committee, is using Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness about resources available to help recognize signs of, and report, suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.

“As a community, we need to play an active role in ensuring the safety and welfare of our children,” said Pappas. “While physical abuse can be more visible, the emotional abuse that children suffer has just as much of a harmful impact on their long-term health and wellbeing.”

Although child abuse can be categorized as physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, or emotional maltreatment, a case will typically encompass more than one type. For more information about local programs, trainings and child abuse facts, you can visit Prevent Child Abuse Illinois’ website at www.preventchildabuseillinois.org/. In the event that you suspect a case of child abuse or negligence, you can call the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873).

“We want people to be cognizant of the local resources available to them to help identify signs of abuse and neglect and also in promoting a healthy culture for parents and children,” said Pappas.