MADISON (WKOW) -- Child abuse counselors say the case of former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky sheds light on the seriousness of child sex abuse across the country.
They believe what happened at Penn State, could happen anywhere, because it's a story of children being abused by someone that the community trusted and revered.
"It's also a story of silence. Abusers are counting on us to not act to look the other way or to not want to think poorly of someone," says Jennifer Ginsburg, forensic interviewer with Safe Harbor.
Safe Harbor is a non-profit organization designed to stop child abuse. Ginsburg says in 2010, more than 5,000 reports of abuse were reported to Dane County Child Protective Services.
Experts say that across the country, one in four girls and one in six boys will be abused before they reach age 18.
It's important to always keep an open line of communication with your children, and speak up if anything seems out of the ordinary.
The United Way has resources for anyone who has experienced child abuse, kids and adults. Just call 211. It's a 24 hour line that can get people in touch with those who can help.
