Report suspected child abuse or neglect to 24-hour hotline

Vancouver, WA – “Child abuse breaks down the internal world of a child with shame and hurt that can result in a lifetime of deep emotional scars,” says Mary Blanchette, Executive Director of the Arthur D. Curtis Children’s Justice Center in Clark County. “All too often, child abuse victims must suffer in silence and their voices are never heard. Be the voice for these children.”

The Children’s Justice Center is dedicated to providing services and support to child abuse victims and their families. So victims can be helped, the center encourages people in Washington to report suspected child abuse or neglect by calling 911 or the Child Protective Services 24-hour hotline at 1-800-562-5624.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Children’s Justice Center will be providing child abuse prevention education materials at Vancouver City Hall and the Clark County Public Service Center.

“This month the Children’s Justice Center joins communities across the nation to increase awareness of the serious issue of child abuse, and encourages everyone to contribute their efforts to making this community a safer place for our children,” Blanchette says. “If parents and guardians have the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to protect and nurture their children, injury to a child from abuse can be prevented.”

The City Council of Vancouver and the Board of Clark County Commissioners have proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in our community. The Arthur D. Curtis Children’s Justice Center is a nationally accredited children’s advocacy center that includes state, city, county and non-profit employees coming together to provide a safe, supportive place for child victims of abuse. For more information, go to http://www.clark.wa.gov/child-abuse-intervention/index.html.