Child Abuse Chances Rise During Pandemic

Governor Bill Lee said Wednesday he remains concerned about growing numbers of unreported child abuse cases across the state because of COVID-19.

Dawn Raines, Executive Director of the Stephens Center in Livingston, said the added stress from the pandemic can lead to increased abuse.

“There’s so many additional stressors right now,” Raines said. “For one, you have children that are home that are needing three meals a day instead of one. Then you have all the job loss, isolation, the excessive confinement, and the anxiety over the health and finances, which does increase the risk of not only child abuse, but also domestic violence, as well.”

Raines said children are especially vulnerable right now because of their distance from non-family members.

“Reports don’t go in if the children aren’t exposed to the outside,” Raines said. “Teachers can’t check on them to report, or guidance counselors or neighbors. Right now they’re not allowed to go anywhere.”

Raines said there are numerous types of child abuse, so finding warning signs can be difficult. She said changes in a child’s behavior, a child quiet or dressed differently are common signs of abuse.

“The most obvious form is physical abuse,” Raines said. “That would be bruising or belt marks. Inappropriate dress, especially if its excessive, and extreme hunger would go into neglect.

Reporting suspected abuse, Raines said, is necessary if you think a child is abused.

“Always make a report,” Raines said. “You don’t have to have evidence. If you just suspect, you don’t have to investigate yourself. You don’t have to look into it. If you just suspect a child is being abused, make a report. You can do that by phone, you can make a DCS referral online, or you can always call your  local police department and have them do a safety check.”

According to Tennessee state law, failure to report child abuse or preventing someone from reporting is a Class A misdemeanor and subject to a $10,000 dollar fine.

The Stephens Center was established in 1988 by Anna Stephens. The non-profit promotes healthy, non-violent families through home-visiting, parenting classes, and community education programs, and is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.