A five-day conference on how to reduce and prevent child abuse ended Thursday in Dallas. The "Crimes Against Children Conference" started 35 years ago, and organizers say it has become the largest event of its kind in the world.
More than 5,500 attended last year, and organizers expected more this week. They said the event brings together first responders, government agencies, and nonprofits to look at options to address child abuse and help kids succeed after leaving an abusive home.
"The Crimes Against Children Conference is an amazing event where bring together thousands and thousands of law enforcement, child protective services, pediatric medical providers, clinicians, those who investigate allegations of child abuse as well as providing treatment," Dallas Children's Advocacy Center CEO Irish Burch said. "This event allows them to all come under one roof."
Burch said police and other first responders are often the first people to spot someone who is being abused.
"Law enforcement is called upon to do many things," she said. "How it used to be, it was just 'protect and serve.' Now, it's 'protect and serve and do all the things.'"
The event coincides with the beginning of the new school year. Burch said teachers were among those most likely to spot abuse.
She said workshops can help teachers spot the signs and also help them talk with a student they believe may be the victim of abuse. She said teachers can create a safe environment to let a child open up.
"Just asking a simple question like, 'How are you doing today?' That may be that one time that gives the child the courage to say, 'Actually, I'm not okay today,'" Burch said. "Then that teacher can be that safe person they can lean on."
Burch said teachers can then notify school administrators or police who will be more likely to know services available to help kids escape abuse and succeed long-term. She said many people want to help but may feel overwhelmed by the number of kids who may not have a strong role model at home.
Burch said DCAC read more than 30,000 reports of child abuse last year, but people can make a difference just by noticing a neighbor or student who shows signs of abuse and referring the child to professionals.
"This could be our next president. This could be the doctor who solves cancer. This could be the next child who's able to dream and be whatever they wanted to be, and it's all because you asked them, 'Are you OK?'" she said.
You can learn more about the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center at www.dcac.org.
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