Advocates release painful statistic to help raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month

In an effort to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month, advocates released a painful statistic that states five children nationwide die each day from abuse.

Advocates say the trend is painfully highlighted in the tragic local cases of Peter Cuacuas, from Newburgh, along with Thomas Valva and Kyra Franchetti, from Long Island, who are among hundreds of children nationwide that die each year from child abuse and neglect.

"We have noticed that there is more severe physical violence," says Kimberly Haight, of the Center for The Prevention of Child Abuse.

Rachel Johnson, who is also a member of the Center for The Prevention of Child Abuse, says there is tremendous power when communities come together to address child abuse.

The organization works with other child protective agencies to provide therapy and support services to children and families. The group says it's seen a 50% rise in reported abuse cases since 2019.

"COVID created the perfect storm," says Johnson. "We had kids at home whose families were on the brink. Abuse was happening more frequently in the cases that we saw, more severe."

This Child Abuse Awareness Month the organization is asking the public to report suspected abuse with this message.

"Everyone can be a hero for kids," says Haight. "Whether it's your own child, a neighbor or a kid that you see at the grocery store."

A call – even anonymously - can save a child's life and help put an end to a nationwide crisis affecting children.

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