NORWICH – The past year has seen a significant increase in the number of suspected child abuse cases being investigated in Chenango County, a fact that makes Child Abuse Prevention Month, recognized nationally in April, even more important than usual, according to Chenango County Child Advocacy Program Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator Tim Hagen.

“The month of April is devoted to recognizing ways we can help our communities be places that care about and actively support families and children,” said Hagen. “By ensuring that parents in our community have access to systems and supports such as quality childcare, affordable health services, parenting education resources and substance abuse and mental health programs, we make progress toward what Child Abuse Prevention Month stands for.”

Chenango County Domestic Abuse/Crime Victims Program Director Dan Auwarter stated that while most people are aware of the troubling issue of child abuse, many are unsure how to prevent it, which is always the primary goal.

“As inexcusable as child abuse is, there are many reasons that it happens, across the spectrum,” said Auwarter. “If we can address the conditions that lead to child abuse, we can help to prevent it.”