In Ripley County in 2008 there were 142 substantiated cases of child abuse – physical and sexual abuse and neglect, reports Angela Krieger, Prevent Child Abuse Ripley County president. Statistics from the county’s Department of Child Services also show last year 549 reports involving 806 children were made, leading to 395 investigations.

“In a small community, you don't think it can happen, but it does. You just don't hear about it as often,” says Krieger, who is a Safe Passage children’s advocate.

In addition to placing pinwheels around the county to raise awareness about the problem, the group has another activity planned during April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month. April 26 has been denoted Blue Sunday nationally. “We're asking ... churches to take time during morning services to pray for victims of child abuse and those who rescue them,” Krieger reports.

What are some issues that trigger child abuse? “Right now with the economy, it could be financial,” the president points out. “Parents are frustrated” due to lack of jobs, “not having money to get food or be able to pay rent.” Other examples of behavior that may provoke incidents are constantly getting poor grades or fighting with a brother or sister.

Signs that a child could be abused include becoming withdrawn with family, friends or at school; lashing out angrily or other personality changes; bed wetting; stomach pain; constantly not feeling well; unexplained bruises or injuries; inability to stay awake; acting out sexually or showing an interest in sex that is inappropriate for that age; poor hygiene.

Prevent Child Abuse Ripley County ’s mission is to promote education and awareness and provide resources and support to maintain a healthy family, according to her. For instance, in February love notes to boost kids' self-esteem (“Good luck on your test!”) were sent home to parents at participating schools – South Ripley, Jac-Cen-Del and Sunman Elementary.

Volunteers are going to the Southeastern Indiana Economic Opportunity Corp. conference April 18 in Madison and also pass out brochures and other materials at county fairs and festivals.

Speaking at club and school meetings “is something we're willing to do.” Interested organizations may contact Krieger at 812-212-4320.

Persons who suspect a child is being abused or neglected “should report it,” the president says. “Just because you suspect it and it ends up not being child abuse, you're not going to get reprimanded.”

A Prevent Child Abuse Indiana (www.pcain.org) brochure notes, “Failure to report or knowingly making a false report can lead to criminal and/or civil liability.”

It adds that reports are confidential. “The names of those making these reports are not given to families reported for child abuse or neglect; however, sometimes by the nature of the information given, your identity might become evident to the family. You may request to make your report anonymously, but your report may be considered more credible and can be more helpful if you give your name.” Calls can be made to the Ripley County Department of Child Services, 812-689-6295; Child Protective Services, 800-800-5556; or National Child Abuse Hotline, 800-422-4453.

Assisting Krieger are Secretary Amber Johnson, representing SIEOC; Treasurer Linda Simmers, Family Connections, Versailles; Connie Reed, Margaret Mary Community Hospital; and Frank Goodpaster, Upper Room Fellowship, Osgood.

“We're kind of short- handed,” she admits. Without grant funding, a coordinator cannot be hired right now.

“We're very interested in finding more volunteers” to speak, distribute resources at events and put up displays, Krieger says. Meetings take place the third Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service office in Osgood.

The president has a clear goal: “I want to make our community a safe place for our children to grow up in and educate our community about what abuse can do to a child.”