A new study in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine shows more children are telling school officials, doctors, and police when they are victims of crime or abuse
More kids are turning to community leaders to report abuse
ALBANY, GA -- A new study in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine shows more children are telling school officials, doctors, and police when they are victims of crime or abuse.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire surveyed 4,500 kids and teens and found that nearly 60% were victims of crime or abuse, and 45% of them reported the abuse to authority figures in the community.
Albany Psychologist Nick Carden says school programs have a lot to do with kids opening up. “They’re letting kids know it’s not ok to do this. There are programs in schools now that educate kids about this that it’s wrong and you’re supposed to tell an adult,” says Carden.
Dougherty County Police Captain Jimmy Sexton agrees. He says kids are learning its ok to speak up. “Children feel somewhat empowered to tell about the abuse where in the past they didn't,” says Sexton.
Experts agree that while the abuse is bad, seeing kids speak up about it is a positive sign.
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