By Imani McClay
PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – Child abuse and neglect cases in Central Illinois have reached record levels for several consecutive years, and experts say 2026 is on track to set another record.
Dr. Channing Petrak, medical director for the Pediatric Resource Center, tells 25 News that the numbers have been climbing steadily.
“The numbers have been going up for child maltreatment, which includes abuse and neglect,” Petrak said. “We’ve had record numbers every year for the past several years, and we are on target to have a record year again here in central Illinois.”
Rising cases mirror national trends
The center’s statistics align with national data showing that one in four girls will experience sexual abuse and one in 13 boys will experience it. Overall, one in seven children will experience some form of maltreatment in their lifetime.
“We see very similar numbers here,” Petrak said.
Petrak said younger children, particularly infants under age one, are among the most vulnerable.
“The younger they are, the more likely they are to experience abuse or neglect, and particularly under age one,” Petrak said.
“We have been seeing quite a bit of sexual abuse, but we are also seeing a lot of both physical abuse and neglect. They go hand in hand sometimes. So we are seeing an increase in both, actually.”
Community response focuses on family support
While some cases are now being caught earlier, many are tied to stress, isolation, and lack of support, according to experts.
Carol Merna, CEO of Peoria’s Center for Prevention of Abuse, said community organizations are working to provide resources for families.
“It’s all about supporting the family,” Merna said. “We want to make sure that they have the resources they need, whether that’s therapy, counseling, or a safe place to go.”
“Because many times when a child is abused, they’re abused 93% of the time by somebody that they know and trust and perhaps even love, that the resources are available to help them find a place of crisis intervention and hope and healing,” she continued.
The Center for Prevention of Abuse is hosting a 5K on Saturday, April 11, at 8 a.m. in the Levee District to raise money for abuse survivors and their families. Registration is $40.
For more information on registering, click here.
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