Norton Healthcare recognizes child abuse awareness month

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and new data shows Kentucky continues to rank among the highest in the nation for child abuse and neglect.

In 2024, more than 14,000 children in Kentucky were victims of abuse or neglect — about 14 for every 1,000 kids. That’s nearly double the national average. Neighboring Indiana also ranks above average, highlighting a broader regional concern.

Dr. Kelly Kries, a pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group in Bowling Green, says the numbers are sobering.

“So it’s really a very high statistic and kind of sobering,” Kries said. “We also have a very statistically high substance abuse rate among caregivers, somewhere in the neighborhood of 40%, and that is linked to child abuse.”

Experts say substance abuse is one of the biggest contributing factors to abuse and neglect in the state. They also note that the youngest children are the most vulnerable, with many victims under the age of one, and a significant number under four.

Despite the high ranking, there are some signs of progress. The total number of child victims in Kentucky has dropped compared to previous years, a step officials say is encouraging.

These pinwheels at local awareness events may look simple, but each one represents a child affected by abuse or neglect. In a state with one of the highest rates in the country, raising awareness is critical to protecting children.

Doctors say prevention can begin with small, everyday actions. Helping a stressed parent, offering to run errands, or even providing a few hours of childcare can make a meaningful difference, Kries explained.

“It might seem like an overwhelming problem, but it’s really in our local community,” she said. “If you know someone with a small child, maybe offer to help… it really does take a village to help raise these young kids.”

Local programs also play an important role. Kries encourages community members to support resources such as the Family Enrichment Center, the Child Advocacy Center, local social work programs, and pregnancy support services. Strengthening families, she said, is the best way to prevent child abuse.

In Kentucky, reporting suspected abuse isn’t optional — it’s required by law. Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect is urged to call the Kentucky Child Abuse Hotline at 8-7-7 KY-SAFE-1 (8-7-7-5-9-7-2-3-3-1) or the Childhelp National Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD. Calls are confidential, and officials say speaking up could save a child’s life.