With April 6 just around the corner, the Sweet Home Police Department (SHPD) is gearing up to host its annual Walk for the Cause event, aimed at raising awareness and encouraging the reporting of child abuse.
Sean Morgan, Community Services Officer for the SHPD, outlined the department’s role in the event, stating, “We organize the event. We’ll have a couple of presenters at 9 a.m. on April 6. Immediately afterward, participants will plant a pinwheel garden in front of the Police Department and then march against child abuse. Refreshments will be served upon returning to the Police Department.”
The event serves as a pivotal moment for the community to come together in support of vulnerable children and to demonstrate a unified stance against child abuse.
One of the primary challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing child abuse cases is gaining the trust and cooperation of affected children. Sergeant Geoff Hamlin highlighted the importance of organizations like the ABC House in facilitating this process, emphasizing the crucial role they play in supporting victims through forensic interviewing.
ABC House stands as the only Children’s Advocacy Center catering to Benton and Linn Counties. The organization delivers child abuse assessments and support services for local children and youth in instances of suspected abuse and neglect.
In 2022, most recent data reveals a concerning trend in Linn County with 461 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect reported countywide. Of these cases, 48.5 percent involved children aged six or younger, with nearly 11 percent of victims being less than one year old.
Statewide, the gravity of the situation is further underscored by the loss of 19 young lives due to familial or caregiver abuse or neglect during the same year. Among these tragic deaths, 15 victims were five years old or younger, with 10 of them being less than a year old. Neglect accounted for the majority of fatalities, totaling 15, while four were attributed to abuse, and one resulted from both neglect and abuse.
“Our children are an extremely vulnerable population,” said Morgan. “When the adults in their lives are predators rather than the protectors they are supposed to be, children have extremely limited knowledge and ability to save themselves. They rely on others to notice and to save them. It is critical for those children that abuse is recognized and reported and that those who prey on children are held accountable.”
According to Morgan, these crimes can be hard to detect, and children suffer in silence. “Mandatory reporter or not, we all need to be vigilant in watching for signs of abuse and reporting it as soon as possible. In many, probably most cases, it’s the only chance a child will have to escape abuse or neglect,” he said.
“This is an important role for our School Resource Officer (Tyler Robinson), who builds relationships with our community’s youths,” Hamlin said. “Those relationships make it more likely that they would come and make a report to him.”
Regarding the pinwheels distributed as part of the event, Morgan said, “We suggest a donation of $1.50 – $2 per pinwheel. Proceeds will go to the Linn County Child Abuse Network (Linn CAN), which is dedicated to educating the public and helping prevent child abuse.”
He also encouraged community members to plant pinwheel gardens around their homes and businesses as a visible symbol of solidarity and support for the cause.
Responding to inquiries about volunteer opportunities, Morgan revealed a change in plans for planting the community pinwheel garden. “SHPD volunteers and other community volunteers will plant the community pinwheel garden in the Highway 20 median the morning of April 2,” he stated, inviting those interested in participating to reach out for further details.
Reflecting on past events, Morgan expressed hope for increased participation this year. “We have a variable number of people who show up to plant the pinwheel garden and walk, from a couple dozen and up. We ask that anyone with the time to join us, please do. We would love to have a crowd of many dozens marching for our children and against child abuse on April 6.”
As the event draws near, Morgan issued a heartfelt plea to the community, emphasizing the critical role each individual plays in safeguarding children from abuse. “Our children are an extremely vulnerable population,” he emphasized. “It is critical for those children that abuse is recognized and reported and that those who prey on children are held accountable.”
He urged everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect, stressing that timely intervention could be the difference between continued suffering and intervention.
For those who suspect child abuse or neglect, Morgan provided essential contact information, urging individuals to call the statewide hotline at 855-503-SAFE (7233). Further inquiries about the event can be directed to the Police Department at (541) 367-5181 or to Community Services Officer Sean Morgan at (541) 409-7343.
As Sweet Home prepares to come together in solidarity against child abuse, the SHPD remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of the community and advocating for their safety and well-being.
Signs of Abuse
A child who’s being abused may feel guilty, ashamed or confused. He or she may be afraid to tell anyone about the abuse, especially if the abuser is a parent, other relative or family friend. That’s why it’s vital to watch for red flags, such as:
• Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
• Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity — or changes in school performance
• Depression, anxiety or unusual fears, or a sudden loss of self-confidence
• An apparent lack of supervision
• Frequent absences from school
• Reluctance to leave school activities, as if he or she doesn’t want to go home
• Attempts at running away
• Rebellious or defiant behavior
• Self-harm or attempts at suicide
Specific signs and symptoms depend on the type of abuse and can vary. Keep in mind that warning signs are just that — warning signs. The presence of warning signs doesn’t necessarily mean that a child is being abused.
Physical abuse signs
and symptoms
• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures or burns
• Injuries that don’t match the given explanation
Sexual abuse signs
and symptoms
• Sexual behavior or knowledge that’s inappropriate for the child’s age
• Pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection
• Blood in the child’s underwear
• Statements that he or she was sexually abused
• Inappropriate sexual contact with other children
Emotional abuse
signs and symptoms
• Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
• Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
• Social withdrawal or a loss of interest or enthusiasm
• Depression
• Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school or ride the bus
• Desperately seeks affection
• A decrease in school performance or loss of interest in school
• Loss of previously acquired developmental skills
Neglect signs and
symptoms
• Poor growth or weight gain or being overweight
• Poor hygiene
• Lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs
• Taking food or money without permission
• Hiding food for later
• Poor record of school attendance
• Lack of appropriate attention for medical, dental or psychological problems or lack of necessary follow-up care
Parental behavior
Sometimes a parent’s demeanor or behavior sends red flags about child abuse. Warning signs include a parent who:
• Shows little concern for the child
• Appears unable to recognize physical or emotional distress in the child
• Blames the child for the problems
• Consistently belittles or berates the child, and describes the child with negative terms, such as “worthless” or “evil”
• Expects the child to provide him or her with attention and care and seems jealous of other family members getting attention from the child
• Uses harsh physical discipline
• Demands an inappropriate level of physical or academic performance
• Severely limits the child’s contact with others
• Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for a child’s injuries or no explanation at all