CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The Jerry Sandusky verdict resonates to the Queen City by highlighting the grim reality of child abuse.
Child advocates at United Family Services in Mecklenburg County say they often see a rise in calls after a case like the one in Pennsylvania.
A check back with the center a month later and indeed, "We have seen our counseling calls go up, though we don't know if it all because of the Sandusky case. But we do know the awareness has gone up and hope people can feel they can give us a call and not afraid of getting services," Karen Parker with United Family Services said.
Already this year, the agency has helped 1,500 adults and children.
"A lot of times kids don't speak because they are scared..adults may not speak [because] maybe they feel embarrassed..maybe they don't understand what happened to them..it happened many years ago and don't think anything can be done," Parker said.
Statistics show 1 in 4 girls, 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by 18. 9 out of 10 children will never report the abuse.
"We think a case like this is where there is going to be a conviction, they're holding people accountable..that's very important because a lot of times a victim feels that is not going to happen. ..but we want them to know it's important to speak out and stop it from happening to other people and to get help for themselves," Karen Parker with United Family Services said.
Advocates say by disclosing the abuse, victims take the first step to breaking the cycle.
"You'll be amazed at how easy it is to talk to a therapist..who is unbiased. Who is not a friend of family member," Parker said.
Parker says she hopes the high profiled case will get more people talking to children about what is and is not appropriate behavior, asking questions and informing the community about how to spot abuse.
If you suspect abuse, contact the Department of Social Services, local child protective agency or call 911. North Carolina requires mandatory reporting by any person or institution.
To learn more about signs of abuse, how to report it or what happens after a report is made, click here.
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