Three key Medina County agencies have formed a coalition to help spread awareness about child, domestic and animal abuse.
The Medina County SPCA, Children’s Center of Medina County and Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit and Medina Counties are declaring February Abuse Prevention Month. Multiple communities have already jumped on board issuing proclamations to acknowledge the campaign.
On Wednesday, all of the directors from the three key agencies will hold an open discussion to talk about a new community approach in hopes of helping break the link between animal abuse, child abuse and domestic violence.
Shannon Waller, executive director of the Medina County SPCA, says people seem to be more comfortable reporting animal abuse than child abuse. People seem to feel animals have no voice, and may assume women and children do and can more easily get out and get help. But Waller explains that’s not true. It’s crucial to report any abuse concerns.
“I think people are surprised by the prevalence of the problem in Medina County. We feel safe and comfortable here. But the statistics are disturbing,” Waller said. “I think once people know (abuse is) out there, they will jump to help. That’s been our experience and that’s what we hope to accomplish.”
- During an average year in Medina County, there are more than 1,200 calls for suspected child abuse. Of those calls, cases are opened for an average of 500 families per year.
- Approximately 1,000 court cases related to domestic violence are reported.
- Roughly 700 complaints of suspected animal abuse or neglect are reported. Of those, an average of 100 cases are opened, involving many hundreds of animals.
Studies also show that animals were abused in 88-percent of homes where a child was abused, and 83-percent of families reported for animal abuse also had children at high risk of abuse or neglect.
If you know someone, or an animal, that is in danger, here are the numbers you can call for help:
1) Medina County Job and Family Services’ Child Abuse Hotline: 330-661-0800
2) 24-hour crisis hotline of the Medina County Battered Women’s Shelter: 877-414-1344
3) Medina County SPCA abuse and neglect hotline: 330-723-7722
Next year, the trio of organizations hope to begin establishing programs for education in the work place. Waller sees a great need for information and an action plan for employers if they suspect an employee is being abused.
Feb. 3’s public discussion will be held at the Children’s Center of Medina County (200 Highland Dr. in Medina) from 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. A question and answer will follow from 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. with a tour of the facility from 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
