Every April, cities across the country pause to recognize Child Abuse Awareness Month, but in Laredo, Texas, this recognition was more than a symbolic gesture.
Earlier this year, city leaders, the Laredo Police Department, and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Laredo-Webb County came together to formally proclaim April as Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness and Prevention Month. For a community where hundreds of cases are reported each year (and countless more remain hidden), this proclamation represented a call to action for every resident of Webb County.
The Hidden Crisis in Laredo
Child abuse is often called a “silent epidemic” because so much of it goes unreported. In Webb County, the Department of Family and Protective Services recorded 414 cases of abuse and neglect in 2024, but experts believe the real number could be much higher. In fact, nearly 1,775 unreported cases are estimated by DFPS to have taken place that same year.
The Children’s Advocacy Center, which serves local victims, reported that in 2023-24, 340 children came through their doors. Nearly half were teenagers, while more than 40 percent were elementary-aged children. Tragically, even toddlers were among those affected. These numbers are sobering reminders that abuse does not discriminate by age, background, or neighborhood.
Local law enforcement echoes this concern. In 2024, the Laredo Police Department handled 179 sexual abuse cases. Almost half of all sexual crimes investigated in the city have involved children.
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Why Laredo Faces Unique Risks
While child abuse is a national issue, certain factors make Laredo especially vulnerable:
- Border dynamics and trafficking risks – As a major port of entry between the U.S. and Mexico, Laredo faces challenges tied to cross-border trafficking. Children in high-risk situations are more vulnerable to exploitation when communities straddle international lines.
- Employment vulnerability – While Laredo has seen job growth, the unemployment rate remains stubbornly elevated above state and national averages. Many families face economic strain, unstable income, and jobs in low-wage sectors.
- Poverty and family stress – Nearly 30% of children under five live below the federal poverty line, and median household income remains modest, fueling family stress.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – Children exposed to poor health services, food insecurity, or parental job instability are at higher risk of maltreatment.
- Emotional abuse and intergenerational trauma – Emotional abuse often underlies physical abuse. When parents struggle with job insecurity and stress, the risk of emotional neglect or abuse rises, sometimes echoing cycles of violence from previous generations.
- Barriers to reporting – Economic strain, coupled with immigration-related fears, often deters many families from seeking help or reporting abuse.
Community Response and Prevention Efforts
Confronting child abuse in a city like Laredo requires more than understanding statistics. It requires coordinated action and persistence. While the numbers paint an unfortunate picture, they also serve as a rallying cry for local leaders, advocates, professional services, and families who refuse to accept that this is an inevitable reality.
Across Webb County, organizations, schools, and law enforcement agencies are working together to raise awareness, provide safe spaces for children, offer help for families, and ensure that every report of abuse receives the attention it deserves. These efforts, though sometimes quiet, are critical lifelines for children and families navigating crisis:
- The Children’s Advocacy Center emphasizes open conversations with children about both real-world and digital threats.
- Voz de Niños hosts community awareness campaigns, such as “Go Blue Day,” to educate families and promote reporting.
- In May 2025, Webb County proclaimed National Supervised Visitation Awareness Month, spotlighting the Safe Haven Program for safer child custody exchanges.
- The Laredo Police Department also participated in Denim Day, joining a global movement to raise awareness of sexual violence and advocate for survivors.
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The Role of Texas Law
Texas has strong protections like Jenna’s Law, which mandates abuse recognition training for adults and children. Local groups are working to ensure these trainings translate into real-world change. Legal aid through Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid supports survivors and fosters youth, connecting vulnerable families to critical resources.
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What Can Laredo Do as a Community?
Child abuse can’t be solved by law enforcement or advocacy groups alone. It’s a challenge that touches every corner of the community. Every resident of Laredo has a role to play in protecting its children, whether through supporting local programs, vigilant reporting, or simply creating a culture where kids feel safe to speak up. This can be done by
- Reporting suspicions immediately by contacting the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or local law enforcement
- Supporting awareness events
- Encouraging and supporting policies and services that improve job stability, training, childcare, and healthcare access
- Promoting family wellness and investing in programs that enhance child safety
When the community comes together, real change happens. By combining awareness with action, Laredo can break these cycles and create an environment where children are protected and have the chance to thrive.
Taking a Step Toward Protecting Children
Child abuse is a tragedy no family should face alone.
If you suspect abuse or need guidance on protecting your children, the team at Melone Hatley, P.C. is here to help. Our compassionate Laredo family law attorneys have experience navigating sensitive custody and protective order cases, and we are committed to standing beside parents and caregivers who want to create a safe and stable future for their children. Contact us for a confidential free consultation or call 956-691-0005 to schedule time with one of our Client Services Coordinators. Together, we can make sure your child’s safety and well-being come first.
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