Don't Let Another Penn State Happen....

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Penn State. Syracuse University. Maricopa County. And more.

Child abuse continues to make the headlines every day, with stories highlighting countless of victims of abuse at the hands of people they and their families trusted. Sadly, the stories also show that children can suffer years in silence when they don't have support.

Child abuse can't go unrecognized or unreported. It's time to make a difference - so that child victims and survivors of abuse receive the protection, and justice, they truly deserve.

Recognize Child Abuse

In 2008, Safe Horizon conducted a survey to explore child abuse and what people do when they learn about it. Although 20% of Americans report being a victim of child abuse, few knew what to do to report it, or felt they could take action to stop it. 

Safe Horizon’s 2008 survey also found that many people can’t recognize the warning signs of child abuse. Being able to identify child abuse is one of the first steps to help children in crisis get help. Watch for…

• A child who has unexplained injuries, or who gives an explanation that doesn’t convince you.
• A child who’s afraid to go home or to go someplace with a particular person.
• A child whose school attendance or performance has changed significantly.

These are just some of the warning signs. Learn more from Safe Horizon’s FREE 10 Signs of Child Abuse tip card.

Safe Horizon as Experts in Helping Child Abuse Victims

In the wake of the Penn State child abuse scandal and the ongoing investigation of former coach Jerry Sandusky, the media has turned to Safe Horizon for experienced guidance on recognizing child abuse, reporting it, and providing critical resources and care to children who suffer physical and sexual abuse.

ABC's Nightline interviewed Safe Horizon CEO Ariel Zwang about the Penn State sex abuse scandal and child abuse issues, including how to help child victims of violence and abuse.

See the interview here.

CBS' The Early Show interviewed Safe Horizon's Chief Programs Officer Liz Roberts, offering information about our services as a resource for victims of child abuse.

See the interview here.

Community Responsibility to Protect Children from Abuse - Michele Vigeant, Vice President for Safe Horizon Court and Community programs, urges neighbors and communities to become proactive in keeping children safe from abuse so victims receive help.

WCBS Radio 880 AM: Child Sexual Abuse and Warning Signs - Safe Horizon's Vice President for Court and Community Programs Michele Vigeant speaks out against "culture of silence" when it comes to stopping child abuse, which .

Resources for Abused Children

Healing, Hope, and Justice: Our Child Advocacy Centers 

Safe Horizon is the nation's leading agency helping victims of violence and abuse, including child victims. We serve and advocate for children through our four Child Advocacy Centers in New York City, providing healing, hope, and justice to more than 4,000 children and their caregivers each year. Thanks to our supporters, we provide children with support from law enforcement, district attorney's offices, medical providers, child protective services, and counselors who address and investigate abuse, as well as help them recover and heal from trauma.

Find out more about Safe Horizon’s Child Advocacy Centers.

Safe Horizon board member and actress Stephanie March ("Law & Order: Special Victims Unit") guides viewers on a virtual tour of our Child Advocacy Centers, hosting a behind-the-scenes look at our efforts on behalf of child victims of abuse.

Take a video tour of our Child Advocacy Centers.

Helping Adult Survivors of Child Abuse

Did you know? One in five adult Americans reports being a victim of child abuse. Safe Horizon helps New York City-based survivors through our Counseling Center, New York State's only licensed mental health facility specializing in treating trauma in victims of crime and abuse.

Our Hotlines can provide information about support groups and other resources for adult survivors. Call our toll-free number at 866.689.HELP (4357). 

Make a Difference for Child Victims of Abuse

TAKE ACTION TODAY. It can help change – and save – a child’s life.

Make a gift today. Support Safe Horizon’s programs that help children affected by sexual and physical abuse so they continue to find the support they urgently need during crisis.

Stay up to date. Sign up for Safe Horizon’s news and alerts about child abuse and how you can be involved in our work.

Discover how Safe Horizon's programs and services help children: Read our stories.