SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Child abuse, along with resources for victims and their families, was top of the agenda Tuesday for Springfield’s Department of Health and Human Services.

According to the National Children’s Alliance, seven out of 1,000 children nationwide were victims of abuse or neglect in 2024.

In Massachusetts, that number is doubled -- with 14 out of 1,000 reporting abuse.

A representative of the non-profit, Helix Human Services, says while that increase seems surprising, it doesn’t necessarily mean abuse is more common here. It could be because it’s more likely to be reported.

More education in regards to reporting and a number of mandated reporters are prevalent in the state.

As for resources, Helix Human Services says there are a number of community and state-led options, but it depends on the extent of the abuse.

To learn more, you can visit www.mass.gov/child-abuse-and-neglect/.