KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knox County leaders including Deputy District Attorney General Sean McDermott and the Great Smoky Mountain Council held a seminar on Thursday to show parents how they can spot child abuse and prevent it.
ChildHelp, a national advocacy organization against child abuse, said child protection agencies see more than four million referrals every year.
"It's an issue in our country, and it's something we take very seriously in the Boy Scouts of America, and we want to equip parents to protect their children, whether they're inside scouting or not," said David Williams, the executive of the GSMC.
The council brought out Knox County agencies to teach parents about the elements of child abuse, and how they can spot signs a child is being abused.
"The knowledge that we have within law enforcement, the court system, and child advocacy is something that we wanted to bring to the community and share this knowledge with parents,, scouters, and scout leaders — and everybody in the community," said McDermott.
Three speakers with experience in child abuse cases told parents and scout leaders how they could navigate situations with children who may be experiencing abuse, and how to properly report any signs of abuse.
"Those three individuals were able to tell how they work together, and look at cases at different angles, to help children and then hold offenders accountable," said McDermott.
They also reminded participants about the importance of staying alert and involved in children's lives, to help make sure they are safe and thriving.
"There are horrific things that happen to our young people that parents don't know about. And, whether you're in sports, or scouting, or church, or any type of activity, just school, they are exposed to so many things," said Williams.
The Youth Protection Seminar was the group's first event, and it hopes to larger seminar in October.