We were as shocked as many others in the UTM community to learn that a former member of the Student Success Center staff has been indicted on federal charges of possessing child pornography and coercing a minor to engage in sexual conduct.

The thought that someone “everyone knew” and who “seemed like a nice guy” might be capable of such acts is difficult to comprehend, but is a sad truth in today’s society.

We ask: “How can this happen?” Where are the parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends of children who end up becoming targets of abuse? Do they see it and not know what it is? Do they know and not care? Do they fear reprisal? Is it just “someone else’s problem?”

Now is the time to ask yourself these questions. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, a time when we should pause and reflect sorrowfully upon the millions of children who have suffered physical, mental, emotional and/or sexual abuse. It’s also the time to ask what we can do to prevent child abuse.

First, we must remain ever vigilant to protect those who cannot protect themselves. If you encounter a computer with child pornography on it, it is your responsibility to report it to the police. You can remain anonymous.

Sometimes a parent’s corrective action can go too far. No punishment should ever leave a bruise or blood on a child. If you see a child who carries the signs of punishment that obviously is too harsh, such as consistent bruises, cigarette burns, etc., report it to the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

If you want to volunteer, go to your local Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, or other family services agency, and offer your help.

We are proud to live in a country that has laws to protect our children, but we should be ashamed that, despite our best efforts, abuse continues to occur at an alarming rate.

An old adage says, “If you aren’t part of the solution, you are part of the problem.”

Be part of the solution. Report abuse and help stop the violence.