BUFFALO, N.Y. — April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and on Friday, Channel 2 employees recognized it by wearing blue in the newsroom.
The 2 On Your Side team wore blue suits, coats, shirts, blouses, and socks to work on Friday.
In Erie County, BestSelf Behavioral Health estimates that more than 3,000 children are abused each year, with 1 in 10 kids being abused by the time they turn 18 years old. It is the second-highest rate of child abuse statewide, and in 90% of these cases, they are abused by someone they know.
Rebecca Stevens, director of outreach and children's advocacy for BestSelf, spoke with 2 On Your Side about the issue.
"Child abuse continues to be highly reported in Erie County, but we still are seeing that less than 10% of kids report and we'd really like to see all kids that are experienced abuse come forward as soon as possible to get the. That they need," she said.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, the Child Advocacy Center is available at 716-886-5437.