Dauphin County to hold virtual forum on child abuse and sex trafficking on September 10

HARRISBURG, PA (September 8, 2020) – Dauphin County will host a virtual community forum on child abuse and sex trafficking from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10. The panel discussion was organized by county officials and community members in the wake of 16-year-old Kyan King’s tragic death in Harrisburg over a week ago at the hands of a child predator and registered sex offender.

“The entire community is stunned and outraged by this horrific tragedy,” said Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III, who oversees the county’s Children and Youth Services agency. “Child abuse and rape are difficult topics to discuss, but we need to come together and do better for our children. If you see something or suspect abuse, report it.”

Panelists will include:

  • Marisa McClellan, Esq., Administrator, Dauphin County Social Services for Children and Youth
  • Terry Wealand, Captain, Harrisburg Police Department
  • Steven Turner Esq., Harrisburg Area YWCA
  • Dr.  Dawn Crosson, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist
  • Ausha Green, Harrisburg City Council, Oversight of Public Safety
  • Angela Liddle, President/CEO, PA Family Support Alliance
  • Jen Gettle, Chief Deputy District Attorney, Dauphin County
  • Moderated by Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III
Additional comments will be made from Angel Fox with State Rep. Patty Kim’s office and Charla Plaines with C.A.T.C.H.

“The statistics on child abuse, and more recently, sexual abuse, are downright sickening,” said Board Chairman Jeff Haste. “Recent studies show that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys is a victim of child sexual abuse.”

To join the virtual community discussion,

Or

  • Dial +1 646 741 5292
  • Enter Meeting ID: 111 190 3662

“We stand ready to end child sexual abuse wherever and whenever we see it,” said Commissioner Mike Pries. “To victims of abuse, we are here to help.”

To report suspected child abuse, call Dauphin County Children and Youth at 717-780-7200 or the State Child Abuse Hotline, which is available 24 hours/7 days a week, at 1-800-932-0313.