RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – One in 10 West Virginia children are sexually abused before they turn 18.
A new report on child abuse statistics for 2024 affecting the Mountain State has been released by the Child Advocacy Network.
According to the study, 16 percent of children served were referred because of drug exposure, a rate four times higher than the national average.
The majority of child abuse cases are listed under neglect. And those neglect cases typically have underlying substance abuse components. When Just for Kids gets involved, they provide forensic interviewing — allowing the child to have a voice to tell their story. They also have advocacy and trauma therapy, where the child’s best interest is what they are advocating for.
“Ensuring that if they are in the home, maybe child protective services don’t have enough to do a temporary removal or anything like that,” said Executive Director, Dr. Deanee’ Johnson. “We provide the ability to create safety plans.”
Early intervention is paramount; catching the abuse as soon as possible, allowing that child to know they are not alone – and giving them that safe space at Just for Kids to talk about their trauma.
“Have the ability to treat kids that are experiencing trauma on all levels, not just the physical or sexual abuse, the severe neglect,” Johnson said. “Whatever it is that they want to speak to the therapist about that is causing them emotional stress or emotional harm.”
Kids exposed to abuse, with or without drugs and alcohol part of the equation — are resilient as long as they have support. Just for kids builds connections with every child who walks through their doors.
“Some kids get to the point where they want it to end; to see their parents get the help. That’s when the intervention occurs or they are removed from the home (and) there’s a sense of relief,” said Johnson. “Then there’s this big question of what does their life look like now (since) this is all they know.”
According to the executive director — it’s not unusual for a child to hold strong feelings towards their abuser.
“I think it is important for us all to recognize that with opioids and drug abuse, it’s a disease as well and needs intervention as much as the children,” Johnson said.
Despite West Virginia Child Advocacy Network’s 5,000 statewide forensic interviews, they say only 800 cases resulted in charges filed, and 336 were convicted of crimes against children.
According to Johnson, most times it’s because sexual abuse is tough to prosecute without physical evidence. And by the time they come to Just for Kids, often the evidence has gone.
“That’s why it’s so important that those abused and neglected kids come to a child advocacy center or Just for Kids because even if they don’t get prosecuted, they still get help,” she said.
It’s difficult to hold people accountable with many outdated West Virginia laws. When law enforcement or child protective services have to follow the rule of law and know in their gut something has happened — but if it doesn’t meet the threshold of the statute, there’s not much more they can do.
When it comes to abuse; Johnson says individuals, communities, and others can change things.
“At the legislative level, the national level. Every state can make a difference,” she said. “Educate yourself on how to support children who have been victimized.”
What we think works for us, Johnson says, doesn’t always work for kids being more child-friendly and victim-centered.
“Maybe it’s about learning what is trauma-informed care,” said the executive director.
“How can I create a home environment that is trauma-informed? There’s lots of research and material out there on how you can do that in the workplace, at your home, and even within your community.”
