The Child Abuse Unit Shares “My One Thing” to Prevent Child Abuse

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Preventing child abuse and raising awareness about child abuse are equally important. Children who have experienced abuse and neglect are at an increased risk for developmental, health, and mental health concerns. Abuse not only forever impacts a child’s life, but it also comes with generational and community-wide impacts. For instance, children who experience child abuse and neglect are about 9 times more likely to become involved in criminal activity. And, as many as two-thirds of the people in treatment for drug abuse reported being abused or neglected as children. The Knox County District Attorney General’s Office is committed to protecting children by holding perpetrators accountable; however, it takes the entire community prevent child abuse from occurring at all.

To prevent and raise awareness about child abuse, the Child Abuse Unit shares the “One Thing” they want you to know about child abuse cases.

My One Thing – ADA Sarah Keith

Assistant District Attorney Sarah Keith explains that child abuse is much more common than we would like to believe. Last year, the Child Abuse Unit, in partnership with other community agencies, reviewed more than 1,200 reports of abuse in Knox County.

My One Thing – Erin Morrison

Erin Morrison, Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator in the Child Abuse Unit, outlines the fact that the vast majority of victims know the perpetrator.

My One Thing – ADA Tammy Hicks

Assistant District Attorney Tammy Hicks describes the importance of teaching internet safety to our next generation.

My One Thing – ADA Rachel Lambert

Assistant District Attorney Rachel Lambert informs the community that everyone, not just doctors and teachers, is required to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

To learn more about how to prevent and/or report child abuse, click HERE.