Over 500 local child abuse cases reported last year
San Jacinto News- Times - April 2009

COLDSPRING – To people in San Jacinto and Montgomery counties who believe “it can’t happen here,” Child Abuse Prevention Month this April brings home the message that abuse is too often a part of young lives and that young lives have been lost to abuse. Last year 213 children died in Texas as a result of child abuse and one of those was from San Jacinto County. “More than 550 new child abuse cases in San Jacinto, Montgomery and Walker counties were reported in 2008 to Children’s Safe Harbor, Montgomery County’s Children’s Advocacy Center,” said Dr. Victoria Constance, executive director of Children’s Safe Harbor. In San Jacinto County the San Jacinto County Child Protective Services (SJCCPS) operates as a satellite offi ce of Children’s Safe Harbor. “Between 20 and 30 abused children are seen monthly in San Jacinto County,” according to SJCCPS board member Jean Walters. “The serious nature of this problem is of major concern because children in our community are being victimized and robber of their childhood. We have an obligation as a community to recognize and deal with this perpetuating cycle of abuse,” said Dr. Constance. The 213 pinwheels, located on the San Jacinto County Courthouse lawn during the Month of April, represent the young life of a child that died as a result of abuse during 2008. One of those children was from San Jacinto County. Members of the San Jacinto County Child Protective Services Board placed the pin wheels at the courthouse, 213 crosses in Point Blank and 213 pinwheels in Shepherd to bring awareness to child abuse prevention month. Children served in San Jacinto County Child Protective Services and Children’s Safe Harbor are ages two to 17. The children served are primarily 4-12 years old and though the majority of the abuse cases are sexual, the organizations also serve victims of physical and mental abuse, as well as helping children who have been witness to extreme violence. “We facilitate a place that brings together local law enforcement, the district attorney’s offi ce and Children’s Protective Services so that the child can report the abuse one time and not be re-victimized by the system designed to protect them by having to retell their story to half a dozen agencies,” Walters said. Chances of convicting the perpetrator are much higher with the use of this team concept, according to Dr. Constance. “After an outcry is made, the young victim is brought to Children’s Safe Harbor in Conroe. Any needed medical sexuallyexam, the forensic interview and post counseling is all done right here in a kid friendly environment and all at no cost to the victim or the victim’s family,” Dr. Constance said. “We are part of a nationwide effort to protect and enhance the life of every child who has the courage to battle sexual and physical abuse. With a team of community and professional agencies united, we are committed to counsel the mind and heal the body of brave children and prosecute the offenders of the youngest and most vulnerable victims of our society,” she said. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has been a driving force for the program. “Children’s Advocacy Centers across Texas are making a big difference in the lives of young victims. Last year, 63 CACs I cities and towns all across Texas served almost 40,000 children,” Abbott said. “Their success is due in large part to the support they receive from their local communities. The Office of the Attorney General also supports their good work. Last year, we provided $6 million in grant funding to CACs across Texas.” In celebration of its 10th anniversary, and in an effort to raise funds to facilitate a muchneeded expansion of services, Children’s Safe Harbor is rallying a fundraising campaign in which the public is encouraged to donate by visiting www. ChildrensSafeHarbor.org. You may also donate locally to San Jacinto County Child Protective Services, P.O. Box 343, Coldspring, Texas 77331.