Smart Talk: Pennsylvanians unsure on child abuse
What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, May 20, 2014:
There seems to be some uncertainty about child abuse in Pennsylvania.
A new survey commissioned by the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance shows that only 17% of those responding believe that child abuse is a serious problem. Of those polled who had witnessed child abuse take place, only one third reported the abuse to Childline at the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
Part of the issue is that adults witnessing an instance of abuse may not know what constitutes abuse. Many recall the type of disciplinary measures they received as a child, and are unsure where the line should be drawn. Others fear that reporting abuse or neglect would make the situation worse for the child or would bring legal repercussions to themselves.
Pennsylvania recently enacted several pieces of legislation to combat child abuse based on recommendations from the Task Force on Child Protection.
Angela Liddle from the(PFSA)and Attorney Jason Kutulakis
On Tuesday’s Smart Talk, Angela Liddle from the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA) will be joined by Attorney Jason Kutulakis, who was a member of the Governor’s appointed Task Force on Child Protection.
If you have witnessed child abuse please contact Childline at (800)932-0313.
