Here are some good news numbers on a very bad news topic: The Vermont Department for Children and Families reports that in 1990 there were more than 2,500 reports of child abuse in Vermont. By 2006, that number fell to just over 1,700.
In 1990, 768 children were reported as victims of sexual abuse, and last year that number fell to 244.
Of course, even one report of an abused or sexually molested child is too many.
Linda Johnson is the Executive Director of the non profit group “Prevent Child Abuse Vermont.” She spoke with VPR’s Mitch Wertlieb and says the numbers show signs that Vermont is heading in the right direction and that with plenty of public awareness, and state-wide help, the next report could be even better: