Panel to Address Abuse of Children

Experts in the treatment and prevention of child abuse will present a panel discussion Thursday to increase public awareness of the problem in Orange County.

“It will be an educational program on how to identify child abuse, the extent of the problems and the personal responsibilities that everybody should feel in reporting abuse,” said Beverly Nestande, the director of community relations for Olive Crest Homes & Services for Abused Children.

“There are a lot of different signs other than what you see on an abused child’s body,” Nestande said. “There are those who are psychologically abused.”

In 1993, 37,000 children were physically, emotionally or sexually abused in Orange County, according to the county’s Child Abuse Registry.

In 1994, 45,000 children were reported abused.

“We’re seeing a dramatic increase from year to year,” Nestande said.

The session will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Olive Crest’s office at 2130 E. 4th St., Santa Ana.

Panel members will include counselors from Orangewood Children’s Home, the county’s Child Abuse Service Team, the Child Abuse Registry and the Child Abuse Prevention Council.

For more information, call (714) 543-5437.