LAPD Promote National Child Abuse Awareness Month

The Los Angeles Police Department staged an informational event today outside its downtown headquarters as part of National Child Abuse Awareness Month.

"Child abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual. Now with the Internet, it could be something happens through the Internet that you are not even aware you being abused," said Detective Juan Perez of the LAPD Juvenile Division.

Child abuse can often go unreported, he said.

"If you're a child and you're being abused at home, it's really difficult to accuse your parent when that is where you live and that's who supports you," Perez said.

Pamphlets handed out at the event featured information about child abuse laws, infant deaths and safe sleeping, the safe surrender law, safety for children home alone, and Internet and athletic safety tips for children.

"If somebody is being abused, whether it be physically, sexually or emotionally, come to us and we'll help you," Perez said.

- City News Service