Crime Victims Assistance Center addresses vulnerability of children using technology

BINGHAMTON (WBNG) -- Overall, during the pandemic the number of child abuse reports actually went down according to the Crime Victims Assistance Center.

The Center says it averages 300 reports of child abuse yearly, but during 2020 there were less than 220. Already in 2021, that number has risen to over 270 as of September.

Executive Director of the Center Christine Battisti said one of the most common types of abuse might happen without a parent even knowing it.

"A third of our cases involve children using technology," Battisti said. "Sharing inappropriate images, receiving images, accessing pornography, viewing porn, and viewing a lot of stuff through gaming systems."

Battisti said there are also many apps that might show stuff that is inappropriate for children as well as many other threats online.

"Kids on the internet are vulnerable," She said. "A lot of kids that don't have stable support systems are looking for someone to give them attention on the internet. They're an easy target for predators that are online trying to recruit kids,"

Officials say if parents want to get in contact with CVAC about protecting their child, they can call 607-723-3200 or follow this link.