January 17, 2025

Arkansas’ Silent Epidemic: Part 4 – A Path Forward to Protect Our Children

Every statistic about child sexual abuse represents a life forever changed. In Arkansas, where the numbers are the highest in the nation, it’s clear that our children need more protection than ever before. The question is not whether something can be done—it’s whether we’re ready to do it.

This series has taken us through the realities of child sexual abuse in Arkansas, from its devastating impact on families to the systemic failures that allow predators to exploit gaps in our institutions. But awareness isn’t enough. Now, we need action. Together, we can create a safer future for Arkansas’ children by making targeted changes in laws, education, and institutional policies.

Where We’ve Been

In Part 1, we uncovered the gravity of Arkansas’ child sexual abuse epidemic, where rates far exceed national averages. Families experience the ripple effects of trauma for years, often struggling without adequate support.

In Part 2, we empowered parents with tools to protect their children, like recognizing warning signs, setting boundaries, and fostering trust.

Part 3 took a hard look at how schools, churches, and other institutions can fail in their duty to safeguard children. We explored systemic gaps like inconsistent background checks and insufficient training and highlighted success stories from other states that Arkansas can learn from.

Now, it’s time to focus on the future—because the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Steps for Community Action

Real change starts when we stop waiting for someone else to take responsibility. Here are concrete actions each of us can take to build a safer Arkansas:

  1. Advocate for Stronger Laws

The law is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect children. Recent legislation, like the Justice for Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act, has already made progress by creating a “lookback window” for survivors to file civil claims regardless of when the abuse occurred. This window, which reopened in February 2024, is giving victims another chance to seek justice.

Still, there’s more to be done. We need:

  • Mandated Background Screening: Tools like the Diana Screen, which can identify individuals who pose a risk to children, should be required for anyone working in youth-serving organizations. This step would close a significant gap in current hiring practices.
  • Harsher Penalties for Failure to Report: Institutions that fail to report suspected abuse must face consequences. This ensures accountability and encourages proactive action.
  • Permanent Statute of Limitations Removal: Arkansas already has no statute of limitations for criminal prosecution of sexual abuse of minors. Thanks to the Justice for Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act, this is also now true for civil cases, so that, moving forward, survivors can seek justice when they’re ready through civil litigation.
  1. Promote Education Programs

Education is prevention’s strongest ally. By equipping children, parents, and educators with knowledge, we can create environments where abuse has no place to hide.

For parents and caregivers:

  • Attend workshops or training sessions on recognizing grooming behaviors and understanding how abusers operate.
  • Share resources like those offered by organizations such as Prevent Child Abuse Arkansas and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas.

For schools and community organizations:

  • Implement age-appropriate body safety programs that teach children about consent, boundaries, and how to speak up.
  • Mandate annual training for teachers, staff, and volunteers on spotting warning signs and reporting abuse. States like Massachusetts have made such programs mandatory and seen improved outcomes.
  1. Strengthen Institutional Policies

Institutions like schools, daycares, and churches must adopt stricter policies to protect children. This means going beyond the minimum requirements and prioritizing safety above convenience.

Key policies to implement include:

  • Zero Tolerance for One-on-One Interactions: Require that all meetings or interactions between adults and children occur in open, observable spaces.
  • Regular Audits of Safety Practices: Institutions should conduct frequent reviews of their policies and procedures to identify weaknesses.
  • Clear Reporting Protocols: Staff must know exactly how and when to report suspicions of abuse. Confusion or hesitation in these critical moments can have devastating consequences.

Parents can play a role here too. Ask questions. Demand transparency. These institutions answer to the communities they serve, and accountability starts with us.

  1. Foster a Culture of Support for Survivors

Healing from abuse is a lifelong journey, and survivors need a network of understanding and resources. As a community, we must:

  • Provide accessible counseling services for survivors and their families.
  • Support local organizations that offer safe spaces and advocacy for those affected by abuse.
  • Normalize conversations about abuse to break the stigma and silence that often surround it.

The more we listen to and believe survivors, the more empowered they will feel to come forward—and the more likely it is that abusers will be held accountable.

A Shared Responsibility

Protecting children isn’t just a job for parents, educators, or lawmakers—it’s a shared duty. Each of us has a role to play, whether it’s voting for legislation that prioritizes child safety, volunteering at local advocacy centers, or simply keeping an eye out for the kids in our community.

We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But it also takes a village to protect one. No single action will solve this problem overnight, but small, consistent steps will build the foundation for lasting change.

A Future Worth Fighting For

Imagine an Arkansas where every child feels safe, where predators can’t exploit gaps in the system, and where survivors know their voices will be heard. This isn’t a pipe dream—it’s a possibility. But it won’t happen unless we take action now.

Every time we strengthen a law, report suspicious behavior, or support a survivor, we take a step toward that future. Every time we ask tough questions or demand better from the institutions around us, we create ripples of change.

So, what’s next? It’s simple. Speak up. Get involved. Refuse to let the silence win.

Together, we can break the cycle. Together, we can protect the children of Arkansas. And together, we can build a legacy of safety, trust, and hope.

 

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
GET YOUR

FREE CASE EVALUATION

Josh Gillispie