Akron Children’s Hospital is offering a free lunch-and-learn program from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24 for parents and other caregivers on the topic of child abuse.
The program will held in the auditorium (street level) of the hospital’s Considine Professional Building, 215 W. Bowery St. Lunch is available at 11:45 a.m.
The talk, “Child Abuse: Could it Happen in My Family?” will be led by Dr. Emma Raizman, a pediatrician who is also board certified in child abuse pediatrics.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the statistics are sobering. According to Dr. Raizman, before the age of 18:
- One of every four girls is sexually abused.
- One of every eight to twenty boys is sexually abused.
In addition, research shows that:
- Eighty-five percent of child abuse victims never report their abuse.
- More than 90 percent of abusers are people children love, know and trust.
- Thirty to 40 percent of victims are abused by a family member.
- Fifty percent of children are abused by someone outside of the family whom they know and trust.
Dr. Raizman joined Akron Children’s Children at Risk Evaluation (CARE) Center in 2016. In this role, she performs evaluations for suspected child abuse for children; reviews cases of suspected abuse from the hospital, children’s service agencies, law enforcement and others; provides guidance and support to staff; and participates in case reviews. She is also a medical consultant for Children’s Center of Medina County.
Free parking is available in the lower level or first floor of the attached Bowery Parking Deck.
