Bill to protect victims of child abuse passes House: Local officials weigh in

SALISBURY, Md. – Local child advocacy officials are applauding United States Senator Chris Coons and other government officials after they announced a bill reauthorization of the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA) that provides critical funding for child advocacy centers was on it’s way to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

“It’s the only federal funding that actually supports child advocacy centers nationally ,” said executive director of the Life Crisis Center, Abby Marsh.

Officials say the passing of the bill will solidify four more years of funding for advocacy centers who can use the money to provide the resources needed to help children who’ve been abused.

“That funding is really important because it helps allow for those kinds of things to occur, training equipment and any other necessities,” Marsh said.

And emergency officials say the reauthorization couldn’t come at better time because during the holidays child abuse is at an all time high.

“It’s something that we’ve actually been dealing with this week and we do see a dramatic increase this time of year. We see an increase in drinking, we see an increase in substance abuse, which results unfortunately to more of our children being abused here in Wicomico County,” said Sheriff of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department Mike Lewis.

But officials say that as long as they have the continued support of local government leaders and their community, they’ll make sure these children get the justice they deserve.

“The therapy is there for that child to help them get to be a survivor,” said Marsh.

Now officials are offering some tips to make sure you’re child stays safe especially during the holidays including making sure you never leave your child unattended and discuss boundaries with your your child. Teach them that their body is their own and no one has a right to touch them or take pictures of them without permission.