Editor's Note: the following was submitted by Brown County Sheriff John Merchant

We would like to take this opportunity to inform the public  that April is
National Child Abuse Awareness month and provide information on what steps
need to be taken  in the event abuse or neglect needs reported by members
of the community.


INFORMATION ABOUT CHILD ABUSE::

Not all child abuse is physically violent; emotional abuse and neglect are
not as obvious as physical abuse but can do severe damage to the emotional
well being of a child.  The signs of emotional abuse is much harder  to
recognize as the scarring and wounds are on the inside of the child, not on
the outside.

By statistic over 90% of child victims are abused by someone they know or
are related to.

By reporting those who abuse and identifying those who are being abused,
help and counseling can enable the child victim to be able to deal with the
effect of the abuse and are less likely to become abusers themselves.  That
is why it is so important to report suspected abuse or neglect as early as
possible.

Most children who are abused  will not report the abuse.  Many times the
abuser is a close family member or friend. Most times the child is
threatened or pressured not to tell anyone of the ongoing abuse.  Children
need to be encouraged to tell a TRUSTED relative or friend if someone makes
them feel  uncomfortable or acts in an inappropriate way towards them.

Child abuse happens in families  of every race, culture and income level.
Sometimes loving parents can become frustrated and overreact.
Unintentional harm is abuse if the injury is due to a punishment.


SOME WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSE:

Unexplained or suspicious  bruises,burns, fractures or marks.

Explanation of injuries that make no sense

Disturbed sleep

Pain during urination or during bowel movements

Unusual knowledge of body parts

Acting out sexually with toys or other children

Fear of certain people or places

Pain while walking or sitting

Malnourished

Unusual flinching when approached

Withdrawn, lack of energy or interest, poor school attendance, failing
grades


Many people in many different professions are mandated reporters of
suspected child abuse such as teachers, law enforcement, mental health
professionals, medical professionals, etc. but It is the moral obligation
of everyone to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect.  We ask that
instead of a Child Abuse Awareness month in Brown County  we all practice
Daily Child Abuse Awareness. I am asking everyone in Brown County to become
more aware and proactive when it comes to keeping our kids safe.

Kansas has a Protection Report Center where concerned citizens may report
suspected child abuse anonymously.  That number is 1-800-922-5330---If
there is an immediate concern over the safety of a child please report
immediately to your local law enforcement at once.  IF YOU THINK YOU SHOULD
REPORT A CONCERN--PLEASE DO SO!!  Law enforcement would much rather
investigate a case that does not meet the criteria  of child abuse than to
let an abused child continue to be victimized.  All of the law enforcement
agencies in Brown County take child abuse very seriously and will use
extra precaution to keep children safe and protected. At any time the
immediate  safety of a child is in question, dial 911 immediately.

In recognition of Child Abuse Awareness we will have approximately 200
blue and silver pinwheels free of charge at Brown County Sheriffs Office,
Horton and Hiawatha Police Departments, and other partner agencies in the
county.   We are asking everyone to display the pinwheels in support of
Child Abuse Awareness. Available until supply runs out.

A big THANK YOU to all the agencies that work together in Brown County that
take an active role in child safety.  We are very fortunate to have a
dedicated group of caring individuals who work closely together for the
sake of our children.

Remember:   THERE'S NO EXCUSE, FOR CHILD ABUSE!




Sheriff John D Merchant
Brown County Sheriff's Office
709 Utah Street
Hiawatha KS 66434
(785) 742-7125