Child-on-child abuse also a concern
Written By:
Danielle Ferguson / South Dakota News Watch | 3:50 pm, May 11, 2021 ×
The Oglala Lakota Children’s Justice Center planted blue pinwheels in front of the center on April 29 as part of a child abuse awareness event. The pinwheels represent the children who are in protective services in the county. (Photo courtesy of the Oglala Lakota Children’s Justice Center)
Child protection advocates are worried that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a spike in child-abuse cases in South Dakota and that the abuse of children was more severe than in the past.
They are also concerned that the pandemic led to an increase in child-on-child abuse that was more rare prior to the arrival of the coronavirus.
View Comments
Child protection advocates are worried that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a spike in child-abuse cases in South Dakota and that the abuse of children was more severe than in the past.
They are also concerned that the pandemic led to an increase in child-on-child abuse that was more rare prior to the arrival of the coronavirus.
Recent statistics are unlikely to tell the whole story of how child abuse changed during the pandemic, and in fact may obscure what experts are almost certain was a rise in abuse cases. The fact that some cases went unreported during the pandemic may have inadvertantly allowed some child abuse to continue unabated.
Child protection advocates are worried that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a spike in child-abuse cases in South Dakota and that the abuse of children was more severe than in the past.
They are also concerned that the pandemic led to an increase in child-on-child abuse that was more rare prior to the arrival of the coronavirus.
Recent statistics are unlikely to tell the whole story of how child abuse changed during the pandemic, and in fact may obscure what experts are almost certain was a rise in abuse cases. The fact that some cases went unreported during the pandemic may have inadvertantly allowed some child abuse to continue unabated.
Pierre, SD, USA / DRGNews
Apr 27, 2021 3:50 PM
A group of South Dakota professionals are required to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect, and dental hygienists will soon be added to that list.
House bill 1132 was signed into law by Gov. Kristi Noem following the 2021 Legislative Session and its language will be added to existing law in July.
Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (CPCM) Director Carrie Sanderson said she is happy to add this important group of professionals to those required to report abuse and neglect.
“Dental hygienists visit with patients, get to know them and are able to sound the alarm if they suspect a child is experiencing harm,” Sanderson said. “Building a lifeline of child advocacy partners in the medical profession is crucial to preventing further harm to the children of South Dakota.”
Supporting victims of crime in Guernsey County daily-jeff.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from daily-jeff.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.