Updated 04/25/2012 09:43 PM
Raising awareness of child abuse in New York
Syracuse broadcast stations came together for the first time since 1995 to help raise awareness about the issue of child abuse. A one hour television special called "Protecting Our Children" aired Wednesday, highlighting the topic and resources available in Central New York. A phone bank was also set up at WCNY studios with experts on hand to address the public's questions and concerns on how to spot and report child abuse. Our Katie Gibas has more.
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse broadcasters came together in an unprecedented collaboration to raise awareness about child abuse.
It has been more than 15 years since such an effort, which highlights the significance of the issue. A one hour television special called "Protecting Our Children" aired on all Central New York television stations Wednesday.
A phone bank was set up for the public to call into with questions about child abuse. Members of the Onondaga County child abuse response team answered the calls and informed people about how to spot and report suspected abuse. They received more than 220 calls Wednesday evening.
Organizers say they're pleased with the response because the more people who are informed, the more their knowledge could save a child's life.
"Just the national statistics alone, one of four girls and one of six boys will be sexually abused by the time that they are 18 are very compelling. And I think that we as a community need to come together and advocate for those children," said Julie Cecile, Executive Director of the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center.
A new report will be released Thursday providing up-to-date statistics on child abuse and neglect in New York.