Authorities explain what to do if you see these signs of child abuse

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. (KCTV) - The child advocacy center of Douglas County and Lawrence Police are sounding the alarm about child abuse being a widespread issue in Kansas and beyond.

The first step is to know the warning signs. What might look like a simple bruise or scratches on a child could indicate they’re being abused at home by anyone they know. Those are just some of the multiple warning signs the Child Advocacy Center of Douglas County wants you to be on the lookout for and never be afraid to report.

The next phase is to show all victims of abuse they’re not alone. To symbolize support, advocates set up 100 pinwheels outside the Lawrence Police Department representing all 100 minors in Douglas County caught up in an abuse investigation in 2023.

“It is everywhere and these children, some were abused physically, and others were just neglected,” Karen Warner said.

Warner is a former elementary school teacher. She worked with children who suffered abuse over the years. Some were as young as four. By doing this, she has learned the warning signs.

“Bruising was the number one and a lot of times kids would be wearing long sleeve shirts so you couldn’t see it,” Warner recalled. “Then I actually had a girl in my second-grade class get abused and it was by her older brother.”

For three years now, the Child Advocacy Center of Douglas County has worked to establish resources for children and their families, so any abuse is not tolerated.

“They can call us directly if they need resources from help to therapy resources,” Executive Director Bev Turner explained. “If they have concerns if a medical exam might be necessary and that kind of starts the process.”

That’s where the Special Victims Unit of the Lawrence Police Department comes in. To focus on protecting children in cases like this.

“We collaborate amongst community members that are stake holders within a multidisciplinary team,” Sgt. Jamie Lawson said. “And we try to have some sort of plan of attack to restore the confidence of some of our survivors that are going through trauma and our first priority is to make them safe.”

If you aren’t comfortable reaching out to the police, there are other child service agencies you can reach out to report any child abuse.

To contact the Child Advocacy Center of Douglas County, call 785-592-3160. Or you can reach out to the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330. If you suspect human trafficking is involved, you can still seek help by dialing 1-888-373-7888.