LCSO Sheriff Pope’s Message of the Week: April 5, 2024

It seems like every month has several dedicated causes attached to it. April is national child abuse awareness month, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Lyon County Human Services, DCFS, Juvenile Probation, the District Attorney’s Office and other groups works diligently, on a daily basis in an attempt to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Today, at several locations in Lyon County, pinwheels will be planted to serve as a physical reminder of the great childhoods our children deserve, and Lyon County organizations commitment to assisting them.

Last year the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office investigated over 100 cases that would qualify as child exploitation. Examples of child exploitation include child pornography, child sex trafficking, sextortion, the live streaming of child sexual abuse, and child sex tourism, the act of involving a child for economic or other reasons in criminal activities.

Prevent Child Abuse America offers 10 ways to prevent child abuse and neglect:

1. Be a nurturing parent– Children need to know that they are special, loved, and capable of following their dreams.

2. Help a friend, neighbor, or relative. Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand take care of the children, so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.

3. Help yourself. When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control—take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.

4. If your baby cries: It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying. Never shake a baby—shaking a child may result in severe injury or death.

5. Get involved. Ask your community leaders, clergy, library, and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.

6. Help to develop parenting resources at your local library. Find out whether your local library has parenting resources, and if it does not, offer to help obtain some.

7. Promote programs in school. Teaching children, parents, and teacher’s prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.

8. Monitor your child’s television, video, and internet viewing/usage. Excessively watching violent films, TV programs, and videos can harm young children.

9. Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program. For information about volunteer opportunities, call 1.800.CHILDREN or contact your local Prevent Child Abuse America chapter.

10. Report suspected abuse or neglect. If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call your local department of children and family services or your local police department.

As previously mentioned in a message of the week, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office is hoping to partner with Operation Light Shine, an organization that funds Human Trafficking and child exploitation investigative units. This organization would be a great asset to Lyon County, and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. I will keep updating the community on its progress.

Sheriff Brad Pope

April 5, 2024 ~ Lyon County Sheriff’s Office took part in planting pinwheels all across Lyon County today in Honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Sheriff Brad Pope got to plant a few pinwheels with the kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley in Yerington. Lyon County Human Services event banner said it best “Because every child deserves a happy and healthy childhood.”