|
34 or 55, it’s still too many |
|
|
|
Wednesday, April 16 2008 |
By KELLEY SHEISS
for The Post & Mail
Last year in Whitley County, there were 34 substantiated cases of abuse and neglect toward children, according to Division of Child Services statistics. That’s an increase of nine from 2006. But to Pat Mossburg, Community Ministry Specialist of the Salvation Army of Whitley County, even one case is too many. That’s why Pat, along with support from SCAN (Stop Child Abuse and Neglect) and Salvation Army Community Ministries Director Ken Locke, will be taking to the street Monday, in an effort to “Light the Way.” The vigil will be at the Whitley County Courthouse from 7 to 8 p.m., rain or shine, to remember the children who have lost their lives to abuse and neglect in Indiana. In 2006, 55 children in Indiana died as victims of abuse. A recent case of an abused child’s death in Kosciusko County hit close to home for local Salvation Army representatives. The family of the child plan to attend the vigil to memorialize their loved one and hopefully bring awareness to this horrible crime.
April is National Child Abuse and Neglect month and Pat Mossburg has been working diligently for over a year now to inform our community of the signs that indicate abuse. Pat has taken the organization’s “Safe from Harm” program to the next level by speaking at schools, churches and other community events.
“I don’t know of any other Salvation Army in the country that has taken the Safe from Harm program to the level it has been taken to in Whitley County,” said Ken Locke. Locke noted that another focus for the Salvation Army is addressing the exploitation and slavery of children in the U.S. and internationally. He said that in this world today, there are more people in slavery now than in 1865 at the end of the Civil War.
“The Salvation Army is Christianity with its sleeves rolled up,” he said. “It is our Christian obligation to help others.”
Although Whitley County has one of the lowest child abuse rates in northeastern Indiana, 34 cases still calculates to almost three a month, according to Stephanie Jentgen of SCAN. Overall, Indiana does rank as one of the leading states in the country for child abuse statistics. Abuse can come in a variety of forms including sexual, physical and neglect. According to Locke, no one is immune from it. He said that economic status, religion or ethnicity has nothing to do with abuse. The strongest factor is multiple stressors, specifically related to untreated mental issues or drug abuse.
“It’s just there,” said Locke.
Mossburg emphasized that it is the law in Indiana to report suspected child abuse. She said that many people aren’t sure what constitutes abuse, but in any case it is best to err on the side of the child.
“If you have a strong feeling and know in your heart, you need to do something,” said Mossburg.
SCAN representatives said that people need to report, but do so in good faith. They noted that schools and doctors are very good at reporting, but young children still need more advocates. Most of the victims of abuse are under the age of three, with many falling under the age of one month. Often times, people are afraid to report suspected cases of abuse.
“That fear will keep people silent, but that fear will kill children,” said Stephanie Jentgen of SCAN.
The goal of Pat Mossburg’s efforts is to increase awareness and remember children at the vigil. Children’s shoes will be placed around the courthouse to symbolize those young lives that were taken too soon because of abuse and neglect. Glowsticks will be used in place of candles so children can join in the event and blue ribbons will be handed out to those present. The local Kiwanis and Key Club will be supporting the event.
Mossburg encouraged everyone to come out to the event to make a stand, stand in prayer or stand in silence. For more information on the event on April 21st or to sign-up, contact Pat Mossburg at 248-1711. |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, April 17 2008 )
|
