ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – A new documentary will soon address the issues in New Mexico when it comes to child abuse and neglect. Currently, the state ranks 6th in the nation for deaths due to child abuse.
It’s called “Everyone’s Business: Protecting our Children.” People behind the documentary said child abuse and neglect is an issues not talked about in New Mexico and rarely addressed properly.
“We wouldn’t have done the show if we didn’t think there were good solutions,” said filmmaker, Chris Schueler.
University of New Mexico Psychologist, Susan Miller, said New Mexico has made some progress. She said the number of fatalities from child abuse are down from previous years, but the state is still lagging behind most.
“At the same time we are a poor state, but we still don’t have to put our children at risk,” said Miller.
New Mexicans have seen cases where the warning signs were ignored. Like Omaree Varela, who police said was kicked to death by his mother while his step father watched.
The film will address what to do if anyone sees warning signs. It will also teach about early intervention, family stress, and shaken baby education.
“This film will give you some answers,” said Schueler. “It will give some concrete ways to save kids in our state.”
“I hope it gives them hope, because it gives them ideas on what they can do in their community,” said Miller.
The film will premiere at 6 p.m. at the KiMo Theatre on April 3.
