By Your Letters, Syracuse.com, May 15, 2020
To the Editor:
Vulnerable children and teenagers need our attention at this time. For some, the home they have been restricted to during the COVID-19 pandemic is not a safe place. The stresses of finances, food insecurity, close living quarters, fears regarding infection and other crises-related pressures increase the risk for physical and sexual abuse, neglect and exposure to domestic violence. While schools remain closed, some children, who would otherwise be identified by teachers, school nurses and other mandated reporters, may go months without recognition and the opportunity to disclose abuse to a trusted adult. Similarly, separation from extended family can exacerbate isolation and stress. Child abuse is one of the known adverse childhood experiences that increases risk of subsequent challenging mental and physical health concerns, including depression, suicide and cardiovascular disease. Advocacy centers have been adapting to working in this physically distanced environment, yet, it has been eerily quiet in our hallways.
Pediatricians across the country who take care of abused children are losing sleep at night, worrying about what we cannot see. It’s not just coronavirus. We do not believe child abuse stops during crises. During the economic depression of 2008-09, our community, as well as others across the United States, witnessed a surge in all types of child maltreatment. We are worried this could happen again.
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