Child abuse is a topic rarely discussed. It’s one of those sensitive issues, which is oftentimes brushed under the rug. However, it’s important to shed light on this problem currently plaguing many children across the country.

Earlier this week, Kids Hub Director Didi Ellis spoke about child abuse prevention at a Rotary Club of Picayune meeting.

Kids Hub is a non-profit organization devoted to child advocacy and providing services for children and families dealing with abuse.

In 2014, Pearl River County had 47 reported cases of child abuse, Ellis said.

If there are 47 reported cases in this county alone, imagine how many cases are in the entire state of Mississippi. Regardless, one case is one too many and something has to be done to help these children living in such dire circumstances, especially since most of these children are too young to understand what’s going on.

The Item applauds organizations like Kids Hub for shedding light on this issue and helping children find their voice.

The organization provides services for both children and families dealing with abuse, including counseling and child abuse prevention education.

It’s time that people start talking about this issue and take the necessary steps to ensure that these children find their voice and understand they aren’t alone.

April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month. During the month, people are encouraged to promote child abuse prevention across the country, according to the website.

It’s important for these children to learn that whatever happened to them doesn’t define who they are.

Through advocacy groups communities across the country can let abused children know there’s a brighter future ahead.