Letter from Prosecutor Eric Smith:

As your prosecutor, I take special interest in our most vulnerable Macomb County citizens. Nothing shocks our community more than the horror of child abuse. These terrible cases tear at our hearts, our families, and the fabric of our community. All of us are touched by it. Hardest to bear is the thought that so many of these tragedies could have been prevented. Many of us turn a blind eye to what we see in our neighborhoods and a deaf ear to the cries of our youngest and most helpless, simply because we don't know what to do about it.

This doesn't have to happen.

Reporting incidents of child abuse and neglect is relatively straightforward. If you see a child abused, maltreated, or malnourished, I urge you to call the toll-free 24 hour State of Michigan Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 855-444-3911.

Some things to keep in mind

Your identity as the reporter of child abuse is completely protected. In fact, it's against the law in Michigan to disclose the identity of the person making the allegation. Rest assured that the anonymity of your report will be safeguarded, and will not subject you in any way to exposure or reprisal. I encourage each and every Macomb County resident to help us protect the safety and security of our county's children.

After all, it shouldn't hurt to be a child.

Sincerely, Eric J. Smith Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney