New school year can mean an increase in child abuse

Amberly’s Place reported there has been an 18 to 24 percent increase in child sexual abuse at the start of the school year for the past 18 years.

“Only one in ten children will ever report that they’ve been abused so nine kids are out there that have had something horrible happen that will never say anything,” said Dianne Umphress , the director of Amberly’s Place.

School, however, is a safety net and teachers make a huge difference in those few reports.

The non-profit organization expressed how valuable teachers are in these type of situations.

If you or someone you know is in need of help, please call Amberly’s Place at (928) 373-0849 or call local law enforcement.