Child abuse cases in Kentucky double nationwide percent, prompting urgent call for prevention and awareness

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A recent national report shows child abuse cases in Kentucky double the nationwide percentage, placing the Commonwealth among the highest in the nation for child maltreatment.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Kentucky now ranks fourth in the U.S. for child abuse and neglect cases. The alarming rise has prompted renewed efforts from local child welfare organizations working to raise awareness and prevent abuse before it occurs.

Winn Stephens, executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass, said the numbers reflect a growing crisis that must be addressed openly.

“The abuse numbers are something we need to talk about,” Stephens said. “They are much higher than people realize. Statistically, we know that at least one in ten children will be the victim of some form of sexual abuse in their lifetime.”

Stephens added that while the statistics are troubling, they come as no surprise to those working on the front lines of child welfare. “We know the reality of the situation,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons why we think it’s so important to shine a light on this problem, because it really does grow in darkness.”

The report also found that children under the age of four make up about 20 percent of all child abuse victims in Kentucky, with infants representing the most vulnerable group.

Organizations such as Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky and the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass are leading efforts to educate families, promote prevention, and provide support for victims.

Jill Seyfred, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, emphasized the importance of community involvement.

“Anytime we talk about numbers and statistics, what’s behind those numbers is prevention,” Seyfred said. “I don’t want people to be discouraged if something doubles or triples. We still have a lot of work to do. We’ve got to draw a line in the sand and talk about what we can do for families to stop that cycle of abuse.”

Kentucky remains a mandatory reporting state, meaning anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect is legally required to report it to authorities.