County Child Welfare Board looks to bring awareness

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and the Jack County Child Welfare Board is trying to spread awareness of the problem.

Each day in Texas, 175 children are the victims of abuse and more than four die from abuse and/or neglect every week. Some of the other startling facts include:

• One in 10 children will be sexually abused before they turn 18.

• More than seven children are mistreated every hour

• Children who have experienced trauma are more likely to engage in early smoking, sexual activity, illicit drug use, and suicide.

•Abused and neglected children are 59 percent more likely to be arrested for juvenile crime.

•Almost 90 percent of child abusers were known by their victims and upwards of 65 percent were named as family members of the victim.

• Neglect is the most common form of child abuse, followed by physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse and medical neglect.

The board is comprised of Co-Chairs Claudia Torres and Molly Urbanczyk, Secretary Darrell Self and Treasurer Bill Depart.. Members are: Cathy McAnear, Sharon Robinson, Terri Stretcher, Debra Tillery, and Linda Wade

Next week: the board’s donation and where do donations go?