Summary: RadioRotary interviews Kimberly Kochen, Executive Director of The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, located in Poughkeepsie, N, the nonprofit agency dedicated to the reduction of child maltreatment since 1973. Among their programs are outreach to elementary schools for educating children and to PTAs<br> and other groups for educating adults. Almost 17,000 children per year are<br> served, mostly through lessons in schools, ranging from puppet shows for younger children to more formal teaching though grade 6. Child abuse is a major problem but only about one in a thousand children will report it. Everyone who suspects child abuse should call the NYS Central Registry at 1(800) 342-3720 or in case of immediate harm, 911. Parents and others are urged to “trust your gut” if you suspect anything, and take action immediately. Abuse during childhood<br> often affects the person abused for his or her entire life.
