Child abuse is more than physical violence, said Carolyn Poythress.

The children’s services program manager for the Halifax County Department of Social Services, Poythress said child abuse is deeper and includes inappropriate discipline, children in the presence of domestic violence and emotional abuse.

It includes sexual abuse, moral turpitude issues and neglect.

Helping the public understand these issues during National Child Abuse Prevention Month was the reason the department held the Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Festival at Becker Village Mall today.

“It’s awareness of what resources are available to the citizens related to child support,” said DSS Director Michael Felt. “Most folks don’t think about what resources are available to assist citizens.”

Reports of abuse and neglect are up in the county, Felt said, the department receiving some 100 to 110 reports a month.

Of those reports, 50 percent involve a child being present in a domestic violence situation.

Felt believes many of the problems are tied to the economy. There are 3,600 people out of work in Halifax County for an unemployment rate of 14.6 percent. Those figures are probably not accurate because of the number of people who have given up looking for work.

Throughout the mall, booths were set up with information from various agencies. The Halifax County District Attorney’s Office did face painting and offered children coloring books explaining the court process.

The Roanoke Rapids Police Department’s Citizens on Patrol offered fingerprinting and other agencies such as the Choanoke Area Development Association offered information on their resources.

Outside the mall the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department had its smokehouse and there were inflatable attractions for children.

Dallas Burch watched as District Attorney Melissa Pelfrey painted her son John’s face. “I wanted to come and see what information they had. This is for protecting the kids.”

Social services is available to talk to groups and schools on its role in child abuse prevention, Poythress said. “We’re very open about going out and talking.”

For more information contact the department at 252-536-2511.

To report neglect, abuse or dependency call 252-536-2511 or 252-536-6500. To make a report after hours, holidays or weekends call 252-536-6500 and the number is forwarded to 911. The dispatcher will have the on call social worker call you back.