Wilmington agency reports slightly higher numbers of Child Abuse in 2016

WILMINGTON, NC  –  The Carousel Center in Wilmington works to help hundreds of child abuse victims per year.  In 2016, Julie Ozier, interviewing and clinical services supervisor, said they saw 250 victims.

Ozier said that’s a slight increase from years past, but that it could be due to a higher number of reports.  She said that the center has increased communication among an inter-disciplinary team including social services advocates and local law enforcement.

“Due to the fact that our multi-disciplinary team is functioning very well together and so we’re making sure that kids are identified and seen for a medical evaluation and interview,” Ozier said.

Ozier said that if you’re concerned about a child or family, you should report it immediately.  She added that it doesn’t mean that the family gets in trouble, it could just mean help for those who need it.

“It gets someone out that can talk with the family and can do an assessment,” she said.  “And see if they need some help, are they under a lot of stress right now, are there some additional services that they need, is this a child that needs some help in being protected?”

If you suspect abuse is taking place, you’re asked to contact New Hanover County Department of Social Services, or law enforcement.