For immediate release

CAS urges community to report abuse

To staff at The Children's Aid Society of Hamilton (CAS), 'CAST' holds an entirely different meaning, but the outcome - to support and protect something broken - is unquestionably the same.

Each week, at regularly scheduled conference times, as well as many impromptu times, CAS child protection workers, supervisors and service directors convene for what they refer to as a 'CAST' - Child Abuse Support Team - meeting. During these deliberations, CAST participants undertake the difficult challenge of creating a plan that will repair and improve the shattered lives of the children and families involved.

Sadly, reality for many children and youth comes in the form of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse or neglect.

Last year alone, The Children's Aid Society of Hamilton reported 701 cases of physical abuse. There were 701 youngsters that were beaten, kicked, bitten or subjected to some other form of physical abuse by the people they trust. And for some of these vulnerable children, the abuse didn't stop there. Many children -- 187 to be exact -- were faced with the horror of sexual abuse.

According to The Children's Aid Society of Hamilton's 2003-2004 Annual Report, the Society investigated 3,135 reports of suspected abuse or neglect. Of those cases, 539 were of a severe nature and warranted immediate child protection intervention.

There are many child advocates that fight for the rights and well-being of children. But they can't succeed without the support of the community. In order to put an end to child abuse and neglect, these situations need to be reported.

October is Child Abuse & Neglect Awareness Month in Ontario and in support of this annual crusade to raise public awareness the CAS of Hamilton will be distributing purple ribbons throughout the community. The purple ribbon symbolizes a commitment to the children of this community; a commitment to their safety, security and a bright future. As the Child and Family Services Act says, everyone has a responsibility for the welfare of children.

"People need to realize that child abuse and neglect are a reality for many children, and it's not restricted to a certain class or cultural group," says Dominic Verticchio, Executive Director of The Children's Aid Society of Hamilton. "Over the past year there were 459 children brought into the care of the Society. What's even more unsettling is the number of child abuse and neglect cases that go unreported.

"How many kids are scared to go home after school because an abusive caregiver may be waiting for them? How many youths are contemplating suicide because their parents have convinced them their life isn't worth living? How many babies are being left alone in apartments while 'mom' parties all night?"

These questions aren't hypothetical. This is reality. There are immeasurable forms of abuse a child can be subjected to and there are countless 'how many' questions that could be asked. Without the support and assistance from the community, these questions may never be answered. These children may suffer throughout their entire childhood only to continue the cycle with their own children.

"We need the help of everyone in this community," says Mr. Verticchio. "Even if you just have a feeling that something's not right in a household, call us. An investigation may prove that your feeling didn't hold merit, but then again it might. Frankly, we can't take that chance when it comes to the safety and well-being of our children."

If you suspect a child is in need of protection, please call The Children's Aid Society of Hamilton at 905-522-1121. For after hours emergency service, call 905-522-8053.

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For more information, please contact:
Dianne Pearson
Manager of Communications & Development
905-522-1121 ext. 2110