Press Release: CornerHouse Links Social Isolation to Increased Rates of Child Maltreatment

CONTACT INFORMATION:
CornerHouse
Ivy Estenson
612-445-9416
ivy@cornerhousemn.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CORNERHOUSE LINKS SOCIAL ISOLATION TO INCREASED RATES OF CHILD MALTREATMENT
Mental and financial stress in families is correlated with higher incidence rates of child abuse

Minneapolis, Minn., March 25, 2020 – A report by CornerHouse, a Children’s Advocacy Center in Minneapolis, has found that the social and financial conditions caused by the Coronavirus are linked to increased rates of child maltreatment.

Several studies link social isolation, combined with increased stress and financial insecurity to new or worsening child maltreatment. With the Coronavirus outbreak forcing the closure of schools, daycares, and businesses, families are under increased stress – both mentally and financially – which can lead to higher incidence rates of child abuse. Conditions can be even worse for children who are now isolated with their perpetrator for the foreseeable future.

While social distancing and quarantining are necessary, CornerHouse is facing an unintended public health crisis as a result of these measures. CornerHouse continues to provide a limited number of forensic interviews and provides mental health and advocacy services to its clients through telehealth.  

“As the strains and isolation associated with this pandemic stretch into the future, we can only expect drastic increases in incidents of child maltreatment,” says Mitzi Hobot, Executive Director at CornerHouse.

It’s important for those close to children to understand how to prevent abuse, the signs to watch for, and how to report abuse. CornerHouse takes calls from the community to provide support and resources for those concerned about a child. To help CornerHouse provide services to families during the COVID-19 outbreak, individuals can donate here.

CornerHouse is a Children’s Advocacy Center based in Minneapolis, Minn. The organization pursues safety, justice, and healing for youth and their families who have experienced physical or sexual abuse through trauma-informed forensic interviews, mental health services, and family support and stabilization. More information regarding CornerHouse can be found here.

CornerHouse’s Executive Director, Mitzi Hobot, is available for comment on this press release. To arrange for comment, please contact Ivy Estenson, Development & Community Relations Manager at 612-445-9416 or ivy@cornerhousemn.org

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