The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a increase in concerns over child abuse under the stay-at-home directives, but a substantial decrease in the number of cases being reported across the country.
That’s according to the BC Network of Child and Youth Advocacy Centres, which released a public service announcement on Monday to remind people about their legal duty to immediately report suspicions of child abuse. “In a situation where you have a child living in a difficult situation and you add economic turmoil, you have to think their situation has worsened,” said Ginny Becker, executive director at the Child Advocacy Centre of Kelowna, which is a member of the provincial network. [ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus