According to the Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center, there is a dramatic increase in child abuse throughout the Texas Panhandle.
Cases are up 40 percent, escalating in both numbers and severity.
The agency said they have deaths where children are being hurt and killed by those around them, with many experiencing domestic violence within their household; they are also witnessing homicides, human trafficking, child exploitation and solicitation.
The Bridge, a non-profit organization, works closely with law enforcement and Children’s Protective Services whenever a child is abused. The agency conducts a forensic interview, rather than law enforcement, to minimize being passed around from agency to agency.
The Bridge says it is important for its community to be aware of what they’re seeing and hearing and that only 10 percent of children report their abuse. It encourages the community to pay attention and look for a change in children’s behavior.