Stay-at-home order could lead to more child abuse

Calls to child abuse protection agencies are down 60% in many states.

Here in Washington, child abuse calls are down 45% according to Ben Santos of the King County Prosecutor’s Office, who says a decrease in calls does not mean a decrease in child abuse incidents.

“Child abuse is the type of crime that happens in the home behind closed doors,” Santos told KIRO 7 Thursday. “Right now, because kids aren’t able to get out of the home, when that abuse occurs it is often not reported. And the reason why is because kids don’t call 911.”

According to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families educators and health care workers are the leading reporters of child abuse and neglect. But if they’re not seeing kids because of COVID 19 stay-at-home orders, children could be in danger.

“Right now, is a scary time for many children who are victims of child abuse in this state because they’re literally trapped in their homes with their abusers,” Santos said.

Nationwide, advocacy groups -- like the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network -- or RAINN -- say abuse increases during times of economic hardship.

Currently, millions of Americans out of work because of COVID-19 layoffs.

“There’s now an increase of minors coming to our online hotline and the descriptions of abuse they’re enduring is increasing in both frequency and severity,” Camille Cooper, RAINN’s VP of Public Policy said.

RAINN started tracking COVID-19-related calls and learned that 79% of kids who contacted the organization are quarantined with their abusers. “One out of every five of these minors are asking our hotline staff to connect them directly with 911 dispatch and law enforcement,” Cooper added.

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families said the number of child abuse reports it receives has gone down during the pandemic.

Tacoma’s Mary Bridge Hospital put out a list showing signs that could indicate child abuse is occurring:

• Parents are frequently yelling at, criticizing, hitting or negatively responding to their child.
• Children show severe injuries, bruises, sprains or burns (or wear out-of-season clothes that cover their arms and legs).
• Children seem overly compliant and passive or overly demanding and aggressive.
• Children show fear or avoidance of a specific person or situation.
• Children show discomfort with physical contact with others.
• Parents or caregivers may be showing more stress than usual.
• Parents may be struggling to provide food or other basic needs for their family.

“A single sign does not mean child abuse is necessarily occurring. However, if signs appear repeatedly or in combination, that may signal abuse or neglect,” officials said.

Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect is asked to take immediate action by calling the state’s toll-free hotline at 866-END-HARM (866-363-4276) or 911 if it’s an emergency.

Click here for more information on how to report child abuse or neglect.

People can also call the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Children’s Advocacy Center of Pierce County (253-403-1478) for assistance 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Click here for more resources from Mary Bridge.

Mary Bridge also provides tips for families looking for ways to cope with stress or talking with children about COVID-19.

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