Oswego County, NY (WIBX) - A 58-percent spike in child abuse cases in Central New York has some officials calling for immediate passage of a law to help protect children. Senator Chuck Schumer who's leading the call, says if Congress votes to renew the Violence Against Women Act, it would help local service providers better deal with the increasing problem.

Schumer stood with members of The Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County yesterday, to call attention to the issue. The move comes after recent reports showed a record increase in abuse cases over the last two years. If passed, the law will provide additional tools and funding to help law enforcement, the courts, and help centers, crack down on child abuse.

In a released statement, Schumer said, "The Violence Against Women Act literally saves lives, both women and children alike, and this legislation would help provide grants for health care providers to better detect abuse, local court training in child abuse cases, and could even establish a much-needed court victim advocate in Oswego County. Since the Violence Against Women Act first went into effect in 1994, our nation has taken great strides towards helping victims of domestic abuse and prosecuting their abusers, but Oswego County demonstrates that there is more to be done. That's why it's a no-brainer to renew this crucial legislation, as we have done time and time again. Our children must be protected and the Oswego County officials, who are working hard to fight back against this trend, need all the necessary tools to crackdown."

Last week the Senate passed the bill renewing the law by a 68 - 31 vote. The bill is now awaiting passage in the House.

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