The Mail-Journal, Volume 21, Number 40, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 October 1984 — Page 11

Child abuse... an epidemic of fear

ByDEEJAYNES Staff Writer The statistics are staggering. According to the National Council on Child Abuse, one of every six children on a city block will be the victim of incest, and one of every four children across the country will be a victim of selual abuse. Add to these, the children who fall victim to other types of physical or emotional abuse and neglect, and the numbers rise to epidemic proportions. One popular misconception is that child abuse is only a “big city’’ problem. In 1983 the Indiana State Child Welfare Social Services Division statistics showed over 3,000 reported cases of child abuse and over 5,000 reported cases of neglect. Closer to home, Kosciusko County Welfare Director Peggy Shively stated that the yearly average in both classifications for the county is 70 cases. This figure represents only the newly reported cases — not the cases involved in on-going investigations. » In an effort to combat child abuse on a local level, The Kosciusko County Child Abuse Prevention Prpgram, KOSCOCAPP, was formed in August of this year through the Mental Health Association of Kosciusko County. According to Delores Hearn, general chairman of KOSCOCAPP and chairman of childhood programs for the Mental Health Association, public awareness and education

KOSCOCAP to produce "Little Bear" play

Members of KOSCOCAP (Kosciusko County Child Abuse Prevention) met recently at Bowen Center with the Xi Epsilon lota chapter of Beta Sigma Phi to organize the first phase of its educational program, sexual abuse protection With funding from the sorority, KOSCOCAP will produce the play “Little Bear” to be presented to young

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is the kevtp stemming the growing tide ot child abuse. “KOSCOCAPP is information oriented,” Mrs. Hearn said. “We are not here to replace existing agencies or groups, but to provide information and programs to children and adults. Treatment, when needed, will be provided by professionals and coordinated through the Bowen Center and the local schools.” KOSCOCAPP has an advisory board to provide input on the needs of the community in the three areas of child abuse — sexual, physical and emotional — with a chairperson in each area. Currently serving on the advisory board are: Dr. David Robinson — Kosciusko County Mental Health Assoc. Adrian Farmer — Kosciusko Community Hospital Adj Kitt — Bowen Center Volunteer Services Dixie Pryor — Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Don Pinnick — NCI Al Rovenstine — Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Michael Miner — Kosciusko County Prosecutor Barbara Clouse — Kosciusko County Health Department Peggy Shively — Kosciusko County Welfare Department KOSCOCAPP basically began with a $2,000 donation from Beta Sigma Phi Sorority of North Webster to provide information to the community concerning

school children in the county. Delores Hearn, chairman of the child abuse program, focused on the aspect of sexual abuse by showing a video-tape of “Little Bear” as done by the Bridgework Players of Goshen, from whom KOSCOCAP has purchased the script. The play, using the characters of Big Bear, Little Bear. Big Moose and Little

sexual abuse of children. Using the “Bridgework Theater” program in Goshen as a guideline, the organization looked for funding within the local community to bring the “Big Bear-Little Bear” film series to the Bowen Center. Delores Hearn stated that one of the major goals of KOSCOCAPP is to provide lecture series and workshops to the public. She added that “every parent is a potential child abuser, some just have better self-control than others.” The workshops would be designed to teach parents how to cope effectively with the stress of dealing with children on a day-to-day Perhaps the most imp. tant aspect of KOSCOCAPP deals with educating children. Since children are taught from a very early age to obey and respect adult authority, they must now learn that some types of adult behavior are unacceptable and they need not comply with every wish. Without attempting to frighten the children, films and programs such as “Big BearLittle Bear” are designed to explain this unacceptable behavior in terms the children can easily understand. According to Dr. David Robinson, this lesson is perhaps the hardest for children to learn. “When children are told that deviant behavior is an adult’s way of showing affection,” he said, “children are reluctant to report

Moose, gives young children information and teaches them skills in dealing with the very sensitive and complicated subject of sexual abuse. The main messages that children receive from the 20-minute drama are to say “no” to touches that make them feel uncomfortable and to tell a trusted adult when someone touches them in ways they don’t like. The play, communicating its messages in a non-threatening way, also emphasizes that the child is not to blame in instances of sexual abuse. Chairmen were named at the meeting for the “Little Bear” project, in which the Mental Health Association and the volunteer services at Bowen Center are taking a leadership role. They include Lynn Anglin as co-production manager with Delores Hearn; Kenny Jones and John DeVries, set makers; Donna Krantz, costumes; Mike Har-

such behavior, fearing the withdrawal of the adult’s love.” Dr. Robinson added that in a majority of cases, adult abusers were, as children, abused, extending the pattern to yet another generation. According to Dr. Robinson and Mrs. Hearn, persons who suspect a case of child abuse or neglect should use the following guidelines when determining whether or not the child is actually being abused or neglected: Look at the overall picture of care. An occasional bruise or injury is common among children and not in itself basis for suspecting child abuse. Report your suspicions when a child has frequent bruises or injuries — especially those which a child or parent is hesitant to discuss. Children who are extremely withdrawn or aggressive may be reacting to abusive behavior in their homes. The key here is the word “extreme.” Immediately report all obvious cases of child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities. Contact either the Kosciusko County Welfare Department or the Sheriff’s Department. There is no time to delay if a child’s welfare is in jeopardy. Mrs. Hearn stressed that help is available — both to the child and the adult. Persons who feel they may be in danger of abusing their child may call any member of the KOSCOCAPP advisory board, the Kosciusko County

ris. training of actors; Linda Harrison, abuse counselor at Bowen Center, and volunteer Laurie Davis, teacher trainers. Scheduling chairman is Colletta Tosby. Plans are to prepare two casts of actors and to arrange scheduling through the county school systems, preparing teachers in advance for the questions and comments from the children after the presentation of the play. KOSCOCAP, an outgrowth of a nation-wide movement against child abuse, is a coalition of community services including Kosciusko Community Hospital, United Way, Special Education, the offices of the county prosecutor, juvenile officer and sheriff’s department, as well as the Mental Health Association, Beta Sigma Phi and Bowen center. Dr. David Robinson, president of the Mental Health Association, stated at the meeting that sexual abuse among

Mental Health Association, or the Bowen Center in Warsaw, to receive information on where they may go for help.

Dr. Robinson and Mrs. Hearn both agreed that since all parents have the potential to abuse their children at some time in their lives, all parents should remain alert to the dangers. One very common example is the very young mother or father, alone and ill-equipped for the responsibility of caring for a child, often reacting responsibility with violence? followed by extreme guilt and self-loathing. KOSCOCAPP members feel that education will help them, and others, cope with the emotions that created the abusive situation and break the patterned response of violence. Mrs. Hearn added this final advice for persons who are currently abusing their children — or who feel they may. “If you feel you cannot call any of the persons or agencies listed for help, pick up the phone and call your minister, a friend or a relative. If you must,/get away from your child until you can react more calmly. But the thing to remember is that help is available. Just ask.” For more information on how groups and organization can sponsor a workshop or film series, contact Delores Hearn, 453-4342 or Adj Kitt, Volunteer Services Department, Bowen Center, 267-7169, or toll-free, 1-800-342-5653.

children has reached what might be called epidemic proportions. Statistics reveal that in 1983, 1,600 children in Indiana alone were victims of sexual abuse and that such abuse happens to as many as one out of ten children. The average age of children who are abused or neglected i 57 7 2, and 66 percent of the children reported as maltreated are white. The goal of the “Little Bear” project, under the auspices of KOSCOCAP, is to deal with the problem through education and in an acceptable way to the community. 1,763 colls answered by dispatchers The Syracuse Police Department submitted the following report of their activities for the month of September. The dispatcher’s office handled a total of 1,763 calls. Os these, 1,188 calls were handled for the city police department, 193 calls were handled for the township police department, 165 calls were handled for the city fire dapartment, 108 calls were handled for the township fire department and 109 calls were handled for the street department. The police department offered the following services during the past month: officers answered seven business alarms, assisted 19 motorists, 16 people who were locked-out and 13 other people for various reasons. The department assisted the Sheriff’s Department and/or State Police with 19 calls and assisted on nine fire and ambulance calls. The department issued one gun permit and ran five title checks. The department investigated a total of 10 accidents, all involving property damage and involving 19 vehicles. The amount of damage was estimated at $3,760. No personal injury accidents were investigated. Eleven theft complaints involving losses of $1,790 were investigated. The department answered 17 calls of vandalism, 12 dog problem calls, two burglary calls, one missing person, six domestic disturbances, one lost property and 58 other miscellaneous complaints. The cars were driven a total of 4,135 miles during the month with car number one being driven 2,339 miles and car number two being driven 1,796 miles. Police made eight arrests; six for traffic violations and two for felony or misdemeanor charges. Verbal traffic warnings were given to 17 people and one written warning was issued. No parking citations were given to seven motorists. The regular officers worked a total of 63.5 hours overtime and reserve officers worked a 92 hours. The reserve officers worked a total of 126.5 hours in service training. Top cup cakes with marshmallow Prior to taking cup cakes from the oven, a marshmallow placed on top will melt and serve as yummy frosting. No smoking ban The Civil Aeronautics Board decided recently it is impractical to ban smoking on airlines based on length of a flight, leaving passengers free to smoke as long as non-smokers are provided separate seating.

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DEMOCRATIC GATHERING — Ladies from throughout Kosciusko County and surrounding counties gathered Sunday, Oct. 14, at Rozella Ford Golf Course in Warsaw to meet Mrs. Wayne Townsend and several other wives of Democratic candidates. Leoma Mitchner, Dekalb County Democratic Chairleader; Mary Jane Cox, Syracuse; Wilma Cox, Syracuse; Mrs. Wayne Townsend; Joyce Sime; and Babe Sleighter, talk prior to the ceremonies at the golf club. Mrs. Townsend, who’s husband is running for Governor of Indiana, and Mrs. Sime, who’s husband is running for the Senate from District Five, shared some thoughts with the ladies present. The activity was sponsored by the Kosciusko County Democratic Women's organization. (Photo by Mark Weinstein)

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GROCERY GIVE-AWAY — Marti Likens, North Webster, won a one-minute shopping spree in the grand prize drawing from the car sale held in Campbell’s parking lot last week. No purchase was necessary to enter the drawing. I Standing in front of the groceries are the sponsors: Buzz Keck, Buzz Keck Motor Car Company, Syracuse; Dick Casto, Milford Motors; Marti Likens, grand prize winner; Ron Hibschman, Hibschman Motors Inc., Syracuse; Phil Campbell, Campbell’s IGA, Milford; and Henry Smith, Lake City Bank. Mrs. Likens departed on her shopping spree at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Oct. 16, and collected a total of $87.26 worth of groceries during the one-minute spree.

Reservations for 4-H recognition banquet are due by October 20

By RONALD W. HOYT Extension Agent 4-H and Youth Kosciusko County 4-H leaders and special friends of 4-H will be honored at the Annual 4-H Leaders’ Recognition Banquet, which will be held Monday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 p.m. in the Atwood Community Building. This banquet is held each year to recognize the accomplishments, achievements and dedication of Kosciusko County's adult volunteers. This year's banquet is extra special since the program is being given by Lisa Longyear, 17-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Longyear of r 9 Warsaw. Lisa spent one month living in Japan as a delegate of the 4-H LABO International Exchange Program. She will show slides and share some of her extraordinary experiences in Japan with the 4-H leaders and guests. The 4-H Leader’s Recognition Banquet is sponsored by the

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Wed., October 17,1984 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL

Kosciusko County Farm Bureau, Inc., Kosciusko County REMC and the Farmers Mutual Relief Association. This year’s banquet was planned by Mrs. Henny Butt, Burton Butt, Kay Tusing and Cathy Smith, members of the planning committee. The evening’s program is titled “A 4-H International Festival” and promises to be an evening' filled with good food, good friends and lots of fun. Four-H leaders and invited guests should have their reservations in to the

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Kosciusko County Extension office no later than October 22. 4-H Calendar October 20-27 — National Dairy Conference October 22 — Reservations due for Leader's Recognition Banquet October 24 — 4-H Sheep Committee meeting, 7:30 p.m., extension office October 25 — Area Junior Leader Conference. LaPorte October 29 — 4-H Leader’-s Recognition Banquet, 6:30 p.m., Atwood Community Building

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