April is Child Abuse Awareness Month

 

 

Protecting Nevada’s Children: A Call to Action for Child Abuse Prevention

Child abuse and neglect remain pressing concerns in Nevada, affecting thousands of children each year. As a coalition dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence, we recognize that preventing child abuse is foundational to building safer, healthier communities.

Source: Child Fatalities in Nevada

The Scope of the Issue

In State Fiscal Year 2023, Nevada’s Child Protective Services (CPS) opened 12,768 new investigations into reports of child abuse and neglect. Of these, 3,758 cases were substantiated, indicating that abuse or neglect was confirmed upon investigation.

Source: Division of Child and Family Services

Notably, the percentage of substantiated investigations has been on the rise, increasing from 22.4% in 2022 to 25.6% in 2023. This upward trend underscores the critical need for effective prevention and intervention strategies. Source: Division of Child and Family Services

Child sexual abuse is a particularly concerning aspect of this issue. Between July 1, 2020, and July 1, 2021, 7% of all substantiated child maltreatment cases in Nevada involved sexual abuse. Source: Child Abuse Prevention in Nevada

🛡️ Prevention Efforts and Community Engagement

Preventing child abuse requires a multifaceted approach involving families, communities, and policymakers. Key strategies include:

  • Education and Awareness: Implementing programs that educate parents, caregivers, and children about the signs of abuse and the importance of healthy relationships.

  • Support Services: Providing accessible resources such as counseling, parenting classes, and economic support to families in need.

  • Policy Advocacy: Advocating for legislation that strengthens child protection laws and allocates funding for prevention programs.

Community involvement is essential. By fostering environments where children feel safe and supported, and where adults are vigilant and informed, we can create a protective network around our youth.

📞 Take Action

If you suspect a child is experiencing abuse or neglect, it’s imperative to report it immediately. In Nevada, you can contact the statewide child abuse hotline at 1-833-803-1183.

For more information on child abuse prevention and resources, visit the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services website: DCFS Data

Together, we can work towards a Nevada where every child is safe, valued, and free from harm.

 

Did you know:

  • In 2021, there were 5,547 reported victims of child maltreatment in Nevada.*
  • 90% of the reported child maltreatment cases in Nevada involved neglect, 18% involved physical abuse, and 7% involved sexual abuse with co-occurring conditions present.*
  • 11% of the child population in Nevada is Black, but Black children make up 28% of victims of reported child maltreatment cases.*
  • The most common cause of death in children under age six is due to child abuse.**
  • One out of every four children will experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18.**

Advocates play a strong role in ending the cycle of violence towards children. Through education, healing, and community support, we all have the power to recognize child abuse as it happens and have a responsibility to speak out against it.

 

 

*Nevada, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, cwoutcomes.acf.hhs.gov/cwodatasite/pdf/nevada.html.

**Prevent Child Abuse Nevada, https://www.preventchildabusenevada.org/awareness/child-maltreatment/

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