In Lancaster County, the Campaign Against Sexual Exploitation of Children Task Force, or C.A.S.E, unveiled their 2013 theme.
Their "Eyes Wide Open" plan is centered around getting kids or adults who know about sexual abuse, to speak out.
They are partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, who say the 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys will be sexually victimized before adulthood.
The Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency investigated 258 cases of child sex abuse in 2011. Since 2006, more than 2,000 referrals have been made to the Lancaster County Children's Alliance, which provides forensic and medical examinations for children in Lancaster County.
In addition, C.A.S.E. also announced its 3rd annual poster contest for children in Lancaster County grades K-12. This year’s theme, Eyes Wide Open, encourages youth to know and practice safety and to be aware of their surroundings.
The poster contest runs through April 22 and winners will be announced at a May reception.
To learn more about Lancaster County C.A.S.E initiatives, including the 2013 Poster Contest rules, please visit www.LancasterCountyCASE.org. For additional information about ChildLine, please visit www.dpw.state.pa.us.
If you suspect a child is being abused, you can call the ChildLine run through the Department of Welfare at 1-800-932-0313.
