Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Issues Release Offering Guidance for Reporting Abuse and Neglect due to Current COVID-19 Pandemic

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a press release today offering guidance to our citizens in regards to reporting child and adult abuse and neglect during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“One concern that law enforcement had in regards to the current COVID-19 guidelines was a possible increase in domestic and civil related calls with families and others spending more time together at home,” says Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “Conversely, another concern was whether law enforcement would see a drop in reported child and adult abuse cases due to children not being at school and church where mandated reporters often times are the first to see signs of abuse or neglect. When those factors are combined with stressors such as high unemployment, loss of income, isolation due to the current quarantine measures and lack of overall supervision, the Sheriff’s Office wanted to reach out to our citizens to remind them to have a heightened awareness of the possibility of child and adult abuse and neglect and to not fear reporting their concerns to law enforcement.”

Many citizens are concerned about reporting known and suspected cases of abuse and neglect due to being identified, as well as overall fear of becoming involved or perhaps further exacerbating any current issues. Sheriff Crenshaw reminds our citizens that if they witness or have suspicions about suspected abuse or neglect, they should contact the Sheriff’s Office and report their concerns. If there are additional concerns about filing a report and maintaining confidentiality, citizens can also contact Crimestoppers via www.oconeesccrimestoppers.com or by downloading the free P3 mobile app on their Apple or Android device. The Crimestoppers tips are passed along to deputies where they can be vetted and investigated.

“The current COVID-19 pandemic has not reduced or suspended any mandated reporters (public safety, healthcare, ministry and educators, etc.) from their requirements to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect,” says Sheriff Crenshaw. “Even with the current COVID-19 pandemic, our dispatch remains fully staffed and our deputies stand ready to respond and investigate any cases of abuse and neglect, or any crime, that is reported to us.”

Release Courtesy of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office