Dear Friends:
Among the tragic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the decline in the reporting of child abuse.
With schools closed, children are no longer seeing educators in person. Teachers, student counselors and school officials make a significant percentage of all child abuse reports.
There is strong evidence indicating that child abuse is going undetected. From March through July, there were 15,828 suspected child abuse reports in Los Angeles County, a 30% decrease from the same period last year.
We also fear there is a lack of reporting for incidents of domestic violence and elder abuse.
My office and other agencies have been regularly reminding all of Los Angeles County that there are dangers for children and adults who are now living behind closed doors.
We have issued public service announcements about reporting child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse. In addition, we worked with the California Grocers Association to distribute posters in grocery stores that list resources for abuse victims. The Los Angeles Unified School District’s Grab and Go Food Centers also have displayed these posters.
As long as schools remain closed to students, it is vitally important that friends and family members be cognizant of possibly abusive conduct among those they know and love.
The well-being – in fact, the lives – of children may depend on those who are close to abusers having the courage to report this conduct to authorities.
To report child abuse, call 1-800-540-4000.
 Jackie Lacey
Los Angeles County District Attorney
 District Attorney Jackie Lacey spoke with “LA Currents” about her office’s efforts to help people living with mental illness, protect Los Angeles County residents from financial fraud and prosecute those involved in the crime of human trafficking. Click here to watch a clip from the program that aired last month on the city of Los Angeles’ Channel 35.
 District Attorney Jackie Lacey established the Conviction Review Unit in 2015 to review claims of actual innocence by people convicted of felonies. Watch the video to learn more about the work of the unit.
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Jackie Robinson Day
District Attorney Jackie Lacey, Los Angeles County’s 42nd District Attorney, had the honor of wearing baseball great Jackie Robinson’s number – 42 – on Sept. 15, 2015, when she threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium. Major League Baseball marked Jackie Robinson Day on Aug. 28 when all players wore 42 on their uniforms.
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