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Recent news of a tragic child death in our Kansas City community leaves our city shocked and grieving. You don’t need to know the child or family to experience the deep sadness that comes with the senseless loss of an innocent young life.
Even more tragic, reports indicate caring neighbors were concerned for the child’s safety and had contacted authorities. My heart breaks for them. While the circumstances are still unknown and the investigation continues, one thing is sure: no child should ever suffer from abuse and neglect.
Too often, our newsfeed includes reports of children and teens being abused, sexually exploited, and neglected, most often by people they love and trust and even prominent community members we know and trust.
These are not isolated instances. One in 7 children experiences abuse or neglect every year, and one in 10 children are sexually abused by the age of 18. Tragically, five children die every day from abuse.
It can be overwhelming. We must allow ourselves time for the sadness, outrage, and anger we feel. But we are not helpless. Child abuse and neglect are preventable.
Let this be a call to action for all adults in Kansas City.
What can you do to help protect children? More than you might know. Click here for tips, tools, and resources and learn how to help protect children and support families.
In times of tragedy, it is essential to remember what we can do to keep kids safe.
Best,
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