By Angela Hatton
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-895360.mp3
Paducah, KY – Between 2001 and 2007, the number of child abuse reports in Kentucky increased by 69 percent. According to the advocacy group Every Child Matters during that same time 210 Kentucky children died from abuse or neglect. Abuse, particularly sexual abuse, may cause long term emotional damage as children grow up, and prevent them from forming meaningful adult relationships. During Child Abuse Prevention Month, groups work to raise awareness about the importance of reporting and preventing these cases. Lois Smith is the interim Executive Director at Child Watch Advocacy Center in Paducah. She previously worked for the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services investigating instances of child abuse in McCracken County. Angela Hatton recently spoke with Smith about abuse awareness and activism.