“If you see something, say something” is the message of a video that Senate Republicans are sharing this month in their communities and on social media to raise awareness about Illinois’ 30-year spike in reports of child abuse and neglect in Illinois.
Every child matters. Senate Republicans say all Illinoisans can help raise awareness about how to help a child who may be in danger. Those who suspect a child has been harmed or is at risk of abuse or neglect should call the state’s 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE.
More than 100,000 cases of child abuse and neglect are reported each year in Illinois. Research shows that one in 10 children will be sexually abused by the age of 18, and that only 10% of that abuse is perpetrated by a stranger.
With reports of abuse at an all-time high, Senate Republicans unanimously supported legislation (SB 3217) last year, charging the Illinois Children’s Justice Task Force with the “exploration, research, and development of recommendations on a multidisciplinary team approach to child abuse or neglect investigations.” Recently, the Senate passed Senate Bill 721—requiring the Task Force to submit their recommendations to the General Assembly by January 2016.