Project Harmony Reports Increasing Rates of Child Sexual Abuse Locally Despite Declining Nationally

The National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) recently released a revised position paper on the declining rates of child sexual abuse. Indeed, the reduction of child abuse throughout our country should be applauded. However, right here in our community Project Harmony (www.projectharmony.com) is seeing an increase in the number of children served.

What this doesn’t mean is that Omaha has more abuse than any other part of the country. What this does mean is that our community is becoming more aware and making that call on behalf of a child. “While our numbers are increasing, we are just seeing a higher percent of the estimated 10% of children who will be abused before their 18th birthday,” said Project Harmony Executive Director Gene Klein. “The city of Omaha has roughly 56,000 children under 18. If we saw 10% we should be seeing 5,600 kids a year. Based on this logic we are seeing 5% – about half of those that we should be seeing.”

Absolutely we, as a community, are making progress – there are solutions that are working. Breaking the cycle of child abuse requires effort and vigilance from us all. Project Harmony encourages the community to attend the Speaking of Children Luncheon on Wednesday, April 5, their signature event which engages everyone in our community to learn about and join in our efforts to protect and support the most vulnerable among us. Find out more at www.projectharmony.com.