Release Date: Apr 7, 2008
File: stats release

Summary:
April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

New investigations of child abuse and neglect in Montgomery County increased seven percent in 2007.  Statistics released by the Children Services Division of Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services reveal there were 4,357 new investigations of child abuse and neglect in last year.

"Child abuse takes it toll on the entire community because it stems from families in crisis," said Children Services Assistant Director Gayle Bullard.  "We all have a vested interest to ensure that all the children in our community are happy, healthy and safe.  Child abuse is preventable!"

The following is a breakdown of the 2007 child abuse investigations by Children Services:

Sexual abuse: 452
Physical abuse:  1,033
Emotional abuse: 454
Neglect: 1,769
Dependency: 255
Other: 394

April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and knowledge about this nationwide problem.  Nationally, four children die every day from child abuse and neglect.  To report child abuse and neglect contact a local law enforcement agency or call Children Services in Montgomery County at 224-KIDS.