Kentucky Child Assault Prevention Project

Child Assault Facts

Nationally, there are more than 3,000,000 cases of child abuse and neglect reported each year.

More than 80% of all abuse cases involve a parent or step-parent.

Almost 50% of all abused children are between the ages of 5-11.

Statistics indicate that offenders come from a variety of occupations—lawyers, doctors, clergy, coaches, etc.—and from all socio-economic groups.

1 out of every 4 girls is sexually assaulted at least once before the age of 18.

1 out of every 5-7 boys is sexually assaulted at least once before the age of 18.

More than 90% of abused children are assaulted by someone they know and trust.

50-80% of all incidents of sexual abuse go unreported.

National statistics indicate that from 1990-1998, there was an increae of 18% in substantiated cases of abuse and neglect.

Recognizing Abuse

Children who are abused may show physical and behavioral signs. Abused children may seem:

Nervous around adults or afraid of certain adults
Reluctant to go home (e.g., coming to school early or staying late)
Very passive or withdrawn – or agressive and disruptive
Tired a lot, or they may complain of nightmares or not sleeping well
Fearful and anxious

Where to Find Help

Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK)

Parent Helpline: 1-800-CHILDREN

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services: Child Safety Branch

Child Protection Hotline: 1-800-752-6200

Office of the Attorney General, Victims Advocacy Division

Hotline: 1-800-372-2551

Parents United

Contact person: Kathy Dean 502-895-4741

Kentucky Youth Advocates

2034 Frankfort Ave.

Louisville, KY 40206

502-895-8167

Family Resource and Youth Service Centers

275 E. Main St.

Frankfort, KY 40621

502-564-4986

Reporting the abuse and neglect of children and adults is everyone's responsibility

Who has a duty to report?

Any person who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a child or adult is dependent, neglected or abused shall immediately cause an oral or written report to be made. [§625.030 (1), §209.030 (2)]

In addition, any person, including, but not limited to, a physician, nurse, teacher, school personnel, social worker, coroner, medical examiner, police personnel, or other health professionals, shall if requested file a written report with the local law ennforement office. [§625.030 (2), §209.030 (2)]

What must be reported?

A dependent child is one who is under improper care, custody and control due to no fault on th part of the parent. An abused child is one who is physically, sexually, or emotionally abused or exploited or is at risk of being physically, sexually, or emotionally abused or exploited. A negelected childis one who is not provided with adequate care, supervision, food, clothing, shelter, education and medical care necessary for his or her well-being. [§600.020 (1) (15)]

What protection is afforded the one who makes the report?

Anyone acting upon reasonable cause in the making of a report in good faith shall have immunity from civil or criminal liability.[§620.050 (1)]. No Privilege, except for attorney-client or clergy-penitent privilege, is grounds for failing to report. Physician-patient and husband-wife privilege is not grounds for failing to report. [§620.050 (2), §209.050].

What is the penalty for failure to report?

Failing to report child or adult abuse is a class B misdemeanor. [§620.050 (2), §209.990]

Kentucky Child Assault Prevention, Inc.

The LEADER in Child Abuse Prevention

122 S. Main Cross St.

3rd Floor Courthouse

PO Box 43

Lousia, KY 41230

ph: 606-638-3855

fax: 606-638-3854

email: ekycap@lycomonline.com

Approach to Prevention

KY CAPS uses a three-fold educational approach consisting of:

Teacher/Staff In-Service
Parent Program
Student Workshops

In addition to CAP workshops in the schools, our staff is available for:

Community Outreach
Media Interviews
Professional Seminars

KY CAPS is project of the National Child Assault Pevention Project and Morehead State University.