Crime Stoppers of Houston Joins Local Experts to Offer Community Resources to Help Prevent Child Abuse During COVID-19

HOUSTON, TX – In honor of National Child Abuse Awareness Month, Crime Stoppers of Houston through it’s Safe Community Program will focus its April outreach efforts to educate the community at large about the signs, symptoms and realities of child abuse.

Throughout this month, the organization will work with other local experts to encourage Houstonians to learn more about child abuse and ways to help prevent it. Unfortunately, studies have shown that the risk for child abuse increases significantly in times of crisis. With children out of school due to COVID-19, they are at a higher risk of abuse due to many factors such as changes in child care, limited resources, loss of family income, or simply living in a more stressful and challenging home environment.

Crime Stoppers is inviting everyone to get involved to help protect our children during this challenging time:

- Educate yourself - learn the signs, symptoms, prevalence and ways to protect your own children. Download free child abuse prevention tips available at https://crime-stoppers.org/child-abuse/.

- Spread the Word – Follow relevant organizations, including Crime Stoppers of Houston, on social media and share the awareness resources in your community.

- Report Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect:
-- Always call 911 if child in in immediate danger.
-- Texas law requires that any person suspecting that a child has been abused or neglected must immediately make a report to 1-800-252-5400.
-- If you would like to remain anonymous, please contact the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

- Sign up for our Virtual Seminar on Child Abuse on April 23, 2020 at 11:00am
-- In this interactive Presentation, Safe Community Program Manager, Sydney Zuiker will moderate a panel discussion with child abuse experts from Children at Risk and The Children’s Assessment Center. Join us to learn about the potential increased risks of child abuse amongst COVID-19, what to look for, and how to report suspected abuse or neglect.
-- Sign up here: https://crime-stoppers.zoom.us/meeting/register/vJQkcuGqrj8r2trzUkqP471i9tCuH9hd1A

For more information about child abuse or other public safety concerns, please visit crime-stoppers.org.