As millions of Americans recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 40 law enforcement leaders from across Massachusetts joined a nationwide letter calling on Congress to support proven child abuse prevention strategies, including Southwick Police Chief Mark Krynicki.
At least 24,428 Massachusetts children suffered abuse or neglect in 2010—65 every day and at least two every hour, on average. Enough Massachusetts children were abused or neglected in that single year to fill every seat at TD Bank Garden, where the Boston Bruins and Celtics play.
Child abuse and neglect claimed the lives of at least 1,560 children nationwide in 2010. More than 1,560 law enforcement leaders and survivors — one for every child who lost their life to abuse or neglect — have signed the letter urging Congress to protect and expand funding for evidence-based home visiting services.
Krynicki is a member of the national alliance Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, a national anti-crime organization of 5,000 police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors, other law enforcement leaders and violence survivors.
“I try to support their causes,” Krynicki said. “Many of their issues center around afterschool programs and education.”
Krynicki said child abuse and neglect are not rampant in Southwick.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a big issue here, but just because we don’t have that issue in Southwick, doesn’t mean there aren’t issues in surrounding towns,” Krynicki said.
Child abuse and neglect is a daily occurrence across the Commonwealth, including here in western Massachusetts.
“Our District Attorney’s office deals with the tragedy of child abuse and neglect every day. Our children need safe and secure homes. We all need to work together to give children a safe and nurturing environment to thrive,” said District Attorney David Sullivan of Northampton.
The letter emphasized the benefits of voluntary home visiting services, which help new parents cope with the stresses of raising a young child. Research shows quality, voluntary, home visiting programs can cut child abuse and neglect by up to 50 percent, significantly reduce later crime and save taxpayers money. They say that evidence-based home visiting can save as much as $21,000 for each family served by reducing abuse, neglect, juvenile crime and other negative outcomes.
“From a fiscal, moral and public safety perspective, we have an obligation to invest in home visiting and protect children from the harm caused by abuse and neglect,” the leaders agreed.
