Action News 5 - Memphis, TennesseeNew hotline makes it easier for Memphians to report child abuse, neglect

New hotline makes it easier for Memphians to report child abuse, neglect

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MEMPHIS, TN -

(WMC-TV) - Memphis Mayor A C Wharton launched a new telephone hotline Monday designed to make it easier for residents of the Bluff City to report child abuse and neglect.

As he introduced the new Call4Kids hotline, Wharton said it was time to give children of abuse and neglect a louder voice.

"Before a child becomes a subject of Crime Stoppers," Wharton said.

Since 2008, 25 children in Shelby County have died at the hands of their caregivers.  Wharton said Call4Kids is about preventing neglect and abuse for the children of today and tomorrow.

"There's an unbroken link between children who are themselves abused and the likelihood that they will also become abusers," he said.

The new hotline allows children in troubling circumstances to receive concentrated attention. Wharton asked Memphians to call the hotline if they fear a child is in danger.

"I want this to become a permanent tool in protecting our children," he said.

Wharton said abuse and neglect my often happen behind closed doors, but it effects us all.

"The very child that you stand by and hear him or her being abused is the same child who's going to put a piston in your face ten years from now," he said.

The Call4Kids hotline number is 901-274-7477, and is open 24 hours a day, seven says a week.

You can also call that number if you want to volunteer.

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