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Health Resource Capacity Assessment for Danielson, Connecticut, June 2003Health Needs and Barriers to Care: Child abuseRecent media reports that Northeastern Connecticut has the highest rates of child abuse and child sexual abuse in the state were noted by many stakeholders in interviews.65 While the overall crime rate in Killingly is lower than the state average (22 per 1,000 residents Killingly vs. 33 per 1,000 statewide66), rates of child abuse and child sexual abuse are far higher for Danielson than state averages. In state fiscal year 2002, there were 889 reports of child abuse in Danielson, 193 of which were substantiated. This rate is seven times the statewide rate of substantiated child abuse reports. In 2002, there were 26 reports of child sexual abuse, five of which were substantiated. Danielson's substantiated child sexual abuse rate is six times the statewide rate.67 Danielson is home to 25 convicted sex offenders required to register with the State Police; this rate per population is eight times the state average.68 This is at a time when child sexual abuse cases are declining nationally and in Connecticut.69 Family violence arrests for Killingly are not significantly different than statewide averages (7.3 Killingly vs. 6.1 Connecticut per 1000 population in 2001) nor are they significantly more or less likely to involve children (40% Killingly vs. 43% Connecticut).70 Recognizing this problem, community representatives and organizations have joined together to address and prevent child sexual abuse. The Women's Center, the regional rape crisis project in Willimantic, has taken the lead in organizing the community and developing a Child Advocacy Center in Danielson. The need for such centers was highlighted statewide in a report and conference by the Children's Trust Fund. It was recognized that children who report abuse are often, unintentionally, re-traumatized in the process of reporting and follow up services and treatment for victims and non-offending family members is inconsistent.71 Child Advocacy Centers are based on a national model from the National Children's Alliance as a place where victims are cared for by a multidisciplinary team of police, social service workers and prosecutors who work together toward justice with respect for the child's needs. Children are interviewed by trained personnel only once or twice in a child-friendly environment with a hidden, closed-circuit TV hook up to team members who can pose questions through the interviewer. Families are consistently connected with services and treatment to help the entire family heal. Recommendations for prevention programming include prevention programs specific to children, parents and family members, professionals and communities.72 Day Kimball Hospital has provided free space for the Center in Danielson, the Women's Center is writing grants, the state police have donated video equipment, local fundraising events are planned and within the next month an ad-hoc community group will spend a day to clean up and renovate the space.73 One stakeholder noted that state budget cuts have resulted in the loss of the local prosecutor focusing on child sexual abuse. He felt strongly that this position was effective in combating the problem and needs to be restored. Next: Health Needs and Barriers to Care: Mental Health Footnotes
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