Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Council of Bartholomew County, Columbus, Indiana

Child Abuse is Happening

In 2005, the number of children in Indiana reported for abuse and neglect would more than fill the RCA Dome --- more than 75,000. The number of children where these reports were confirmed would almost fill Verizon Music Center, including the lawn seating - more than 20,000. Unfortunately, it gets worse; 54 children in Indiana died as a result of abuse and neglect in 2005. Locally, there were 280 substantiated cases of child abuse in Bartholomew County in 2005.

Getting Help

Get in touch with an agency that specializes in child abuse or one can direct you to appropriate services such as:

• Department of Child Services: (812) 376-9361 or (812) 376-2600
• Child Abuse Prevention Council of Bartholomew County (812) 314-2949
• First Call for Help: (812) 376-6666
• Indiana's Parent Help Line: 1-800-CHILDREN
• Or, call the Division of Family Resources in your county. If this office is closed, call your local police department or county sheriff's office for assistance.

Indiana law states that anyone who has reason to believe (knows or suspects) a child may be abused or neglected must make a report to the local Child Protection Service or law enforcement agency. You can make this report by calling: 1-800-800-5556. This line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Simple Ways to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect

• Be a nurturing parent
  Children need to know that they are special and loved. Educate yourself about a child's development process so you can have reasonable expectations about what your child can and cannot do.
• Help a friend, neighbor or relative
  Being a parent isn't easy. Someone you know may be struggling with his or her parenting responsibilities. Offer a helping hand.
• Help yourself
  When the big and little problems of everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control, take time out. Know where you can turn for help when you need it.
• Learn how to calm a crying baby
  It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry, especially when nothing you do seems to work. Learn what to do if your baby won't stop crying. Never shake a baby!
• Get involved
  Advocate for services to help families. Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of children and families.
• Spend time with your children
  Playing with your children, reading to them, or just being with them helps them to feel loved. Make time every day for quality time.
• Report suspected abuse or neglect
  Keeping children safe is the responsibility of every adult in our community. If you have reason to believe that a child has been or may be harmed, call (812) 376-9361. Remember - it's the law in Indiana to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

Additional Resources

• When a Child Tells You About Abuse
• When should I make a report?
• What does the law say?
• What happens after the initial investigation?
• List of literature available through the CAP Council
• List of related national organizations and programs with contact information