DAYTON — A child abuse and neglect prevention event was held Monday in Dayton as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
>>A trend that can be prevented; Montgomery Co. Prosecutor office launches child safety campaigns
There were nearly 4,200 investigations in 2022, including 2,300 cases of physical abuse and more than 1,800 cases of neglect, according to Montgomery County leaders.
They wanted people to know the warning signs.
>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Montgomery County highlights child abuse prevention
So far, at least 1,000 cases of child abuse have been opened this year.
“I also looked at some other numbers,” said Rob Streck, Montgomery County Sheriff. “Last week alone, my deputies responded to about six reports of child rape, just in that week. So, this is obviously an issue we have to deal with.”
Officials say the best way people can help stop child abuse is if they see something, say something.
The county has a 24-hour hotline, (937) 224-KIDS.
People can call and reported child abuse anonymously.