Thousands of kids are abused, both sexually and physically each year, but most never open up about the abuse. That's why organizations are spending April, reminding communities of the importance of reporting child abuse, as well as volunteering time and/or money to programs who help with the fight.

Statistics show, many adults do not adequately protect children from abuse, because often times, they are unsure how.

When cases like that happen, and abuse has occurred, organizations like the Friendship Home step-in.

"At Friendship Home, we know that about one in four women in the Lancaster County area have reported some kind of domestic violence or abuse. So, any of those women who have children that are living with them, are also experiencing or witnessing this abuse, and unfortunately some children are abused as well," said Julie Reader, Friendship Home.

Many advocates say it is unrealistic to expect a young child to fend off sexual advances from an adult, especially a relative.

That is because they cannot recognize sexual advances for what they are.

Plus, a child has been taught to mind adults who are authority figures.

Sheriff Terry Wagner with the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office said that is why education is so important when it comes to child abuse.

"You have to start teaching children when they're young, that abuse and neglect and assault behavior is inappropriate, so when they become adults, they'll know that's inappropriate behavior, and will know if they're aware of some child being abused or assaulted. It's their duty to report that. It's required by law, so I think it really does take a long time, the educational process," said Sheriff Wagner.

Reporting child abuse is only one step in the process. Sheriff Wagner said he and his department take great strides in making sure the children in our community will be protected in the future.

"If you expose your children to violence, the person and their spouse or their friend, are exposing children to violence through their own fighting, or their own assaulted behavior, that's really abusive behavior toward the children. We're looking not only at the assault between the adults, but the effect that has on the children," said Sheriff Wagner.

"I think it's important for people to know that we're supportive of their efforts to stop and reduce child abuse cases, child sexual assault cases, that when they report it, we take those reports seriously, that we'll conduct an impartial and fair investigation, and that when warranted, we'll bring the perpetrator to court."

Because child abuse cases greatly affect kids, Julie Reager with the Friendship Home said it is important communities continue to volunteer at, or financially support organizations who help kids work through the difficult situations.

"The children, just like all children, are dealing with it in all types of ways. Some may be acting out, like they've seen the abusive parent act out at home. They may be more reserved and shy and quiet, and not trusting in others. Others are very resilient, and the staff is able to do a lot with children as far as getting them to open up about what they've witnessed and seen, and work through those issues," said Julie.

With the help of volunteers and vigilant members of the community, both Reager and Wagner say they hope one day every innocent child will be protected.

For more information on the Child Advocacy Center's 10 tips for prevention, and links to many of the Nebraska organizations helping in the fight against child abuse, click on the web addresses below.