For Immediate Release

April 3, 2017

Walton County, Fla— Every 10 seconds a child abuse report is made.

In an effort to help spread awareness for child abuse during the month of April, Walton County Sheriff’s Office is hoping to spread the message about the effects of child abuse.

Nearly 700,000 children are abused in the United States every year. Of those abused, 1,850 die per year. Children can spend a lifetime trying to forget a few minutes of their childhood. Verbal and emotional abuse is just as damaging as physical abuse. Child abuse can cast a shadow that lasts a lifetime.

Help us prevent it. Children should be seen, heard, and believed. To report suspected child abuse call 1-800-96-ABUSE.

We are circulating a short video on our social media channels put together by the WCSO Criminal Investigations Bureau highlighting some of these alarming facts.