In a perfect world, lots of places would not exist. Prisons, orthodontist's offices and the Children's Justice Center.

The CJC, as it is called, is a sort of safe house for kids who have experienced some sort of trauma or abuse. Kids who are survivors of violence, or other unkind acts, are taken to the CJC for interviews and other legally required details. But the CJC is a home-like facility that helps kids be more comfortable and relaxed. Our local CJC even has friendly dogs that will sit with the kids and give them that incomparable 'doggie support.'

Unfortunately, for a myriad of reasons, the Tooele CJC is getting more and more busy.

Officials say it is a combination of increased population and some prominent local cases, and they foresee a great need for their services in the future. Another increase in cases has come from what are termed 'self-reported' abuse cases -- when the person being abused comes forward on their own.

Child abuse is another of those things that should never exist, in a perfect world or not.

It is true that in some cases, only the person being abused and the abuser know about the crime. But we, as concerned and caring adults, should be watching out for all the children in our lives.

It is a hard call, sometimes literally, when we think that something is wrong in the life of a child that we know. Obvious cases are easy to spot -- maybe a child in your neighborhood is locked out of their house, or has too many unexplained bruises and injuries.

But abuse is not always that obvious, and sexual or emotional damage is not so easy to spot.

Still, if we know of child abuse, we are required -- both legally and morally -- to report it. Excuses don't cut it. The abuse will not just stop. Getting involved to save the emotional sanity of a child who is being abused can be scary. But it has to be done.

If you suspect abuse, you can call the police, the CJC, the sheriff's office, the child abuse hotline (1-800-678-9399) or the county crisis hotline (882-6888). These professionals want to help children.

We all want children to thrive, free of abuse or fear. In a perfect world, it would be easy. In an imperfect world, their safety often depends upon us.

Ann Herron is a journalist and former associate professor at Utah State University who lives in Tooele. She can be reached at annherron@comcast.net.