There have been numerous scandals through time concerning child abuse, including sectors of religion, school and sports. Currently we are watching unfold the Epstein Files being revealed as a bitter finality for the 1,000 plus victims of sex trafficking towards justice and adjudication with many of those files showing minor age contact.

So we ask, how can this happen and how can we help protect our youth? Through it all, topics are being discussed that do not always come into the headlines, a hidden and terrible reality that certain children almost always face alone. Sometimes a perpetrator is someone a child trusts within the walls of a home, or at a relative’s or neighbor’s house where confusion and fear sets in and childhood isn’t what it was meant to be. There is still the aspect of “Stranger Danger” which is a term that can be carefully explained to children, for example the person pulling up in a car to ask for directions or offer candy that could lead to abduction, also in parks or stores. Other modes include the increasingly dangerous online predator pretending to be a friend through social media or gaming platforms manipulating kids in silence from the watch of parents or caregivers until it’s too late.

In an effort to communicate and educate the public in Northampton County, the office of District Attorney, Stephen G. Baratta has an initiative to provide safety towards future occurrences by recognizing the signs that a child is in danger of abuse with either physical or sexual violence. In recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, a panel discussion was held April 21 at the Northampton County Courthouse with professionals who answered questions concerning current crime trends, common warning signs of abuse, and practical strategies for early intervention. Panelists included Children, Youth and Families representative Samantha Cabrera, Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations Kathryn Murray, Northampton County Senior Deputy District Attorney Christine Murray, St. Luke’s Health Network Chair of Pediatrics Jennifer A. Janco, M.D., and Direct Service Children’s Counselor with Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley Sohinaz Lozano, MS.

The goal was to equip parents, caregivers, educators and community members with tools to recognize risk factors and respond effectively. Recent findings indicate that more cases are being reported today than in years past. Research also shows that alleged offenders can be a parent, caregiver or family member, including stepparents, parents’ partners, adoptive or foster parents and other relatives; 93% of the time children know their abuser.

Some topics discussed were guidelines on monitoring a child’s online activity. Suggestions on social gaming were not allow headphones so you can hear conversations and have a child lock option on the phone after 9 p.m. until morning. Others included having an understanding of all apps downloaded on childrens’ devices and turning off location services.

If your child gets messages they bring to you of suggestive nature, it could be a means to manipulate them into sending or receiving photos leading to pornography, exploitation for money or even a meet up. Never delete such messages because they can serve as evidence. You can save them through screenshots you can turn in to authorities. Online predatory practice can be elusive and saving valuable information is vital.

Also discussed was how a pediatrician can become involved in the recognition process observing the telltale signs of abuse. Panel member Jennifer A. Janco, M.D. mentioned the importance of working with your practitioners. “Don’t worry alone; we are here to help”.

Another topic was how to communicate with a child you discover is in danger or experienced abuse. Remain calm and be available for communication in a trusting way.

Much discussion involved how one should bring attention and make a report to authorities when it is suspected an abuse occurred. You should not be the investigator, the audience was told, or accuse someone you suspect because that could hurt the overall safety of the child or ourself. It is important to let the trained professionals work with the child through the interview process. Sometimes you have only one chance to help a child discuss what happened to them and the best chance to separate a child and abuser is through proper authorities.

Call 911 if the child is in immediate danger. Other resources include Childline, a reporting hotline in Pennsylvania at 1-800-932-0313. Free, confidential counseling and advocacy is available by calling the Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-888-727-2877. For general information on child protection visit www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual harassment, abuse or assault and would like help visit www.pcar.org/help-in-pa as a website based resource.