To the Editor:
As I write this, countless children in Massachusetts suffer in silence, victims of abuse and neglect. The statistics are staggering, but it’s the individual stories that shatter our collective heart. We can’t afford to look away.
The time for action is now. We must invest in prevention programs that empower parents and support families. We need to provide accessible mental health services, substance abuse treatment and domestic violence resources. Our communities must come together to create a safety net that catches those who fall.
Mandatory reporters must be trained to recognize the signs, and our response systems must be swift and effective. We owe it to our children to be proactive, not reactive.
Let’s work toward a Massachusetts where every child grows up safe, loved and nurtured. Where every family has access to support and resources. We can break the cycle of suffering, but it requires our collective effort.
Let’s rise to the challenge. Let’s make a difference. Our children’s futures depend on it.