A couple years ago medical experts decided physical abuse was not being handled well in our area, that's why MERIT was created.

Their mission it to provide all children suspected of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect with timely expert medical evaluations and treatment. MERIT organizers tell me there are barriers that prevent suspected child abuse victims from receiving the medical attention they need which leads to problems in the investigation process making it more difficult for child services to intervene.

Ray Davis, a doctor in the program says,"Studies have shown early intervention is extremely important, there have been instances in this city where abuse was missed and it actually cost the life of the child. So first of all there is a significant physical liability in not getting involved and not getting involved with these children early or with the first round of abuse but also from the sexual abuse and neglect aspect over long term, the longer that does go on the longer more significant complications those kids have."

When we asked Davis whether he thought child abuse was increasing in our area he said a little bit. Mostly, he thinks people are just reporting it more then they used to. However, statistics do show tough economic times usually bring about increased cases.

If we think a child's being abused all we have to do is call the DCFS hotline and file an anonymous report at 1-800-25-ABUSE (22873).