Child Abuse – It is an Epidemic
By: Al Velarde, Executive Director, Child Crisis Center of El Paso
I came into the office on a Monday morning last spring and as I frequently do, I walked into the
shelter and nursery to say my good mornings to staff and children. As I walked into the nursery,
a 4-year old boy walked directly to me, extended his hand gesturing a handshake and he asked
me “who are you?” I shook his hand and told him that my name was Al. He then asked me, “What
do you do?” I told him that I was the Executive Director. “The Exexecu—tive Direcor?” he
replied. Seeing his confusion to such a big word, I said “I’m the boss”. He smiled and said “I’m
Marcus, my sister died yesterday, do you know when I can see her again?” His response shocked
me and I soon learned that Marcus (not his real name) was admitted on Sunday because his 2-
year old sister died from an act of child abuse caused by his caregivers.
Child abuse and neglect occurs all too much in our community. According to the Texas
Department of Family and Protective Services statistics, 2304 children in El Paso County were
confirmed to be abused and neglected. This represents 10.1 children out of every 1000 in our
community. 212 children were removed from their home for their protection. Because child abuse
happens in the privacy of the home, we can presume that the actual number of abuse and neglect
cases far exceeds what has been reported and confirmed.
According Dr. Bruce Perry, a nationally renowned researcher on child abuse, “If 20 million people
were infected by a virus that caused anxiety, impulsivity, aggression, sleep problems, depression,
respiratory and heart problems, vulnerability to substance abuse, antisocial and criminal behavior,
retardation and school failure, we would consider it an urgent public health crisis. Yet, in the
United States alone, there are more than 20 million abused, neglected and traumatized children
vulnerable to these problems. Our society has yet to recognize this epidemic, let alone develop an
immunization strategy.
So the question is; what can we do as a community to address this epidemic? Let’s start with
parents. First and foremost, recognize your own emotions and vulnerability to anger. Parents
often take out there stress on their children. Stress caused by financial problems, marital
problems, substance abuse, mental illness and other factors all lead to child abuse. If you are
experiencing any of these problems and find you are yelling or being aggressive towards your
children, seek help. Ask a family member or friend to take your children for a few hours or a few
days so you can get some rest and seek support. If you don’t have someone who can step in, call
a child serving agency like the Child Crisis Center. They have access to resources that can help
resolve the underlying problems. Stress affects everyone at every level of society so do not think
you are immune.
If you suspect that someone is abusing their child, report it immediately. The Child Abuse Hotline
is 1-800-252-5400. Child Protective Services is an ally for the family. Their goal is to preserve
the family. A report to CPS can open the door to resources that stressed parents may badly
need, yet are not aware exist.
The community needs to get involved too. There are over 40 agencies in El Paso County with
missions that help prevent child abuse and neglect or serve children. Most of the agencies are
non-profits that have faced serious funding reductions due to the current economy. Agencies like
the Child Crisis Center of El Paso, C.A.S.A., The Child Advocacy Center of El Paso, the El Paso
Center for Children, the Lee Moore Children’s Home and others exist specifically to protect
children. At a time when they are needed the most, they are challenged to bring in the funds they
need to maintain services. You can call the United Way of El Paso County for information on any
of these agencies or call 211.
April is Child Abuse Prevention month and the entire community should become aware of the
problem. Show your support for children by tying a blue ribbon to your car antenna and wear
blue on Friday’s. Join the staff of Bank of the West and put together a blue jean club where
employees pay a small fee for the privilege of wearing blue jeans on Friday and donate that fee to
your child protection agency of choice. Above all, be aware and be in the know because there is
a child who needs your support.
| 2100 N. Stevens El Paso, TX 79930 (915) 562-7955 |
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