Forrest County, Miss.- Sheriff Charlie Sims wanted to remind the public that the month of April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. The Centers for Disease Control says one in seven children have experienced abuse or neglect. During this month, as well as the entire year, citizens are encouraged to raise the issue of child abuse and the well-being of children and families around the country.
Sheriff Sims said, “Nothing is more important in our society than children, because they are our future. In my view, there is nothing worse than child abuse. As a society, we should strive to make sure that our children are protected from abuse.”
Child abuse crosses all socioeconomic and educational levels, religions, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We know that abuse and neglect negatively impact every aspect and stage of a child’s life. Child abuse impacts the ability of students to succeed in school and often hinders their ability to forge healthy relationships with their loved ones and peers. It is associated with involvement in the juvenile justice system, especially for children who have experienced sexual abuse. One of the most important tools to break the cycle and eliminate the tragedy of child abuse and neglect is prevention.
If you suspect a child is being abused, please contact the FCSO at 601-544-7800 or the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-(SAFE)7233.
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