STEVE: IOWA PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE WORRIED ABOUT ONE STATISTIC THAT’S DECREASING DURING THE PANDEMIC THE NUMBER , OF REPORTED DOMESTIC AND CHILD ABUSE CASES. THEY FEAR THAT BECAUSE WE ARE ALL SOCIAL DISTANCING FEWER MANDATORY REPORTERS ARE SEEING POTENTIAL ABUSE VICTIMS. SO THE NEW DIRECTOR OF THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES IS URGING VICTIMS TO CONTACT THE DHS OR THE POLICE. >> PAY ATTENTION TO THE SOUNDS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. REACH OUT THE THE CHILDREN AND -- TO THE CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS IN YOUR LIFE BY PHONE OR VIDEO CALL, MAKE SURE THEY KNOW THEY ARE SUPPORTED, LOVED, AND LISTENED TO. STEVE: IF YOU SUSPECT THAT A CHILD OR DEPENDANT ADULT IS BEING ABUSED OR NEGLECTED CALL THE ABUSE HOTLINE AT THE NUMBER ON YOUR SCREEN 1-800-362-2
IDPH says child, domestic abuse numbers are down, which worries officials
![KCCI logo]()
Updated: 10:35 PM CDT Apr 15, 2020
Iowa Public Health Department officials are worried about one statistic that's decreasing during the COVID-19 pandemic: the number of reported domestic and child abuse cases. They fear that because of social distancing, fewer mandatory reporters are seeing potential abuse victims. The new director of the Iowa Department of Human Services is urging victims to contact the DHS or the police. "Pay attention to the sounds in your neighborhood," said Kelly Garcia, DHS director. "Reach out to the child and vulnerable adults in your life by phone or video call, make sure they know they are supported, loved and listened to." If you suspect a child or dependent adult is being abused or neglected, call the Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178. If someone is in imminent danger call 911.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Public Health Department officials are worried about one statistic that's decreasing during the COVID-19 pandemic: the number of reported domestic and child abuse cases.
They fear that because of social distancing, fewer mandatory reporters are seeing potential abuse victims. The new director of the Iowa Department of Human Services is urging victims to contact the DHS or the police.
"Pay attention to the sounds in your neighborhood," said Kelly Garcia, DHS director. "Reach out to the child and vulnerable adults in your life by phone or video call, make sure they know they are supported, loved and listened to."
If you suspect a child or dependent adult is being abused or neglected, call the Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178. If someone is in imminent danger call 911.
