This column was written by former APA Jordan Duenckel and Victim Advocate Kara Winterbower, who asked to share this with you, as this issue is close to their hearts. I’ll be back next month. ~ Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney Jacob Shellabarger

Gone are the days where convicted criminals are hanged on the courthouse steps. However, individuals displaying depravity meriting this punishment are not. Among the most heinous crimes that are prosecuted are crimes against children. Crimes of physical violence, forcible rape, and molestation that are not confined to stereotypical white windowless vans with drivers who have unfortunate facial hair. Crimes that happen behind the white picket fences in “good” homes. Parents who are willing to trade their children’s bodies for methamphetamine. These crimes are underreported due to the massive amount of power, control, and access that abusers have over children to the point where children do not know what is happening is wrong or do not want to speak out against their loved ones.

These crimes happen every day. April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. This month is a powerful reminder that these interactions affect millions nationwide and may not be readily apparent to outsiders. You may see around town or the courthouse a blue pinwheel which has become a widely recognized symbol of this campaign.

The consequences of child abuse extend far beyond childhood. Victims may experience long-term physical injuries, developmental delays, and emotional trauma. Psychologically, abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and difficulties forming healthy relationships. In some cases, the effects persist into adulthood, increasing the risk of substance abuse, chronic illness, and involvement in the criminal justice system. These outcomes highlight that child abuse is not just a private family matter but a societal issue with far-reaching implications. When children are harmed, communities bear the long-term social and economic costs.

It sounds bleak, but there is hope. Every day there is a network of professionals in our schools, social service organization, medical services, and law enforcement that are vigilantly working to root out abuse and intervene to protect these kids. There are some tools that are used to investigate allegations and avoid re-traumatization as much as possible.

Historically, children who disclosed abuse were often subjected to multiple interviews by different agencies—law enforcement, social workers, medical professionals, and attorneys—forcing them to repeatedly recount traumatic experiences. This fragmented approach not only increased emotional distress for the child but also risked inconsistencies in testimony, potentially weakening investigations. In response to these issues, Child Advocacy Centers (CAC’s) and forensic interviews emerged as a coordinated, child-centered solution.

One of the most critical services provided by Child Advocacy Centers is the forensic interview. A forensic interview is a structured conversation conducted by a specially trained professional with the goal of obtaining accurate and reliable information from a child about possible abuse. Unlike casual or therapeutic conversations, forensic interviews follow specific protocols designed to minimize suggestibility and ensure that the child’s statements can be used in legal proceedings. The interviewer uses open-ended questions, avoids leading language, and allows the child to describe events in their own words.

Forensic interviews are typically conducted in a neutral, private room equipped with recording equipment. Members of the team observe the interview from another room, often through closed-circuit video. This setup allows all relevant professionals to hear the child’s account simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple interviews. Recording the interview also preserves the child’s testimony, which can be used later in court proceedings, potentially reducing the need for the child to testify in person.

Courts rely on the credibility and reliability of a child’s statements, making it essential that interviews are conducted properly. Defense attorneys may scrutinize interview techniques, looking for signs of suggestibility or bias. As a result, adherence to established protocols is critical. Proper documentation and recording provides transparency, allowing courts to evaluate the integrity of the process. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of the CAC model and forensic interviews in improving outcomes for children. Studies have shown that children interviewed in CAC settings report less stress with the process compared to traditional investigative methods.

Sometimes a child will have to testify. In Missouri, a specific statutory procedure allows children to testify with a comfort item with them while they are in the witness box and a support person nearby. Testifying as an adult can be nervous and emotional even when the witness knows what to expect. For children, these emotions are magnified and increased because of the unfamiliarity with the courtroom, retestifying about traumatic events, and the presence of the abuser in the courtroom with them. A comfort item, like a blanket, stuffed animal, or fidget spinner, provides a tactile support system that provides an anchor of familiarity. A support person that is nearby, while they don’t say or touch the child during testifying, is another small bit of comfort to make things a little less scary. This support person is often a trusted guardian or Kara Winterbower, our specially-trained Victim Advocate. These are just a few of the procedures put in place to help children interact with the justice system in an approachable way.

Ultimately, National Child Abuse Awareness Month serves as a reminder that protecting children is a shared responsibility. Every individual has a role to play, whether by learning to recognize the signs of abuse, supporting families in their community, or advocating for policies that prioritize child welfare. The deeper significance of the month lies in its call to action: to recognize the signs of abuse, to advocate for vulnerable children, and to create environments where all young people can grow up safe, supported, and valued. If a child discloses something concerning, report it immediately. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call the Child Abuse Hotline toll-free at 1-800-392-3738. You can make the difference in a child's life and be the intervention that shines a light on abuse and sets a child free.