Experts raise awareness of child abuse in Kentucky

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Dozens gathered for Community Action’s Stronger Together program.

The annual meeting creates a space for conversations that protect families and for people who work with children across the region to understand the detrimental effects of abuse.

Nancy Weaver, professor of Public Health and CEO of Support Over Silence, says, “So rates of child abuse and neglect are super high right now. And rates of child sexual abuse are also escalating. So it’s really important that we understand things about the brain and the development that we understand when our kids are, quote unquote, ‘misbehaving.’”

The two-day program helped more than 40 parents gain knowledge and support their children.

Chasity Rodgers Dunn, a parent with Community Collaboration for Children, tells us, “A lot of times, they’re not able to communicate exactly what they’re going on, what that they have going on internally. So we, we learn about the signals and whatever the symptoms and everything, we can figure out exactly what’s going on in inside.”

From emotional intelligence to behavior management and regulation, parents and caregivers all walked away with good examples that can keep their family safe.

Andrea Willis, a Family Nuturing director with Community Action,  says, “We’re learning that there are good people. There are good people who care. I have to say that helped me, so I’m helping other people. I’m not just keeping it to myself. We’re spreading it out. So it’s helping me. I know it’s going to help the next person.”

If you are looking for support for your family, contact Community Action of Southern Kentucky at (270) 783-4484.