The Iowa Department of Human Services says it is not receiving as many child abuse reports with many Iowans staying home and schools remaining closed.
Director of DHS Kelly Garcia tells WHO-TV 13 many mandatory reporters like teachers and doctors are not seeing children frequently due to social distancing measures.
“We all have our part to play in this response so we are calling on you. Pay attention to the sounds in your neighborhood. Reach out to the children and vulnerable adults in your life by phone or video call,” Garcia says.
According to DHS data in the first two weeks of April 2019, there were 1,709 child abuse reports while in 2020 there have only been 770.
Waukee Community Schools Counselor Haylie Steffensmeier tells WHO-TV 13 that the community needs to come together to help make reports. “I think a lot of this is going to have to be second hand. We are not going to get a lot of first-hand accounts that are happening that are taking place,” Steffensmeier says.
While many signs of abuse come from interacting with a child, information can still be gathered by phone or video calls.
Director of the Blank Children’s Hospital STAR and Developmental Center Jennifer Stimson said it is important for family members, neighbors, and friends to keep communication while social distancing. “Our kids have never been this invisible before and that can be very challenging when child abuse is occurring in the home,” Stimson told WHO-TV 13.
Steffensmeier encourages parents to have open conversations with their children and to ask how their friends are doing as well.
If you believe someone is in immediate danger call 9-1-1. If you think abuse is occurring call DHS at 1 (800) 362-2178.