As the only neurosurgeon in the Imperial Valley, Travis Calvin saw many instances of child abuse. So did his wife, Peggy, who worked in his office.

She recalls numerous incidents that went unreported and knew of situations that made her sick.

It was the late 1970s and speaking of child abuse was almost taboo. Reports were rare, but in the Imperial Valley the cases were prevalent.

“One day my husband came across a horrible situation and we felt we needed to do something,” said Peggy Calvin.

Numerous phone calls, months of organization and the willingness of individuals to make a difference helped form the Child Abuse Prevention Council.

Child abuse was widespread at the time of the CAP council’s formation in 1979. Last year nearly 500,000 cases of child abuse or neglect were reported in California.

“Statistically there’s more cases of abuse now,” said Calvin. “But back then no one was really reporting instances. It just wasn’t talked about. So who knows how many cases you really had?”

Receiving most of her help from Sue Tally, who worked in education, the two created the Children’s Fair. Using the fair to promote child abuse prevention, the event saw several hundred people in attendance the first year. Attendance has grown to more than 35,000 people.

The CAP Council is a private charitable organization that was one of the first child abuse councils in the state, according to Calvin. The CAP Council does receive government grants, which help pay for educational tools.

“One of our main goals is to educate parents and adults and children,” said Tally. “Our main goal is to protect children because we care so much about them.”

Added Calvin: “When I saw that first incident of abuse, I just knew we had to help somehow.”

Calvin and Tally said child neglect has the highest reported form of child abuse in Imperial County. They believe dealing with neglect could be key.

“The one thing we as individuals can do is help stop neglect,” said Tally.

Added Calvin: “It’s just getting the courage to get involved if you’re an outsider. We have information now that we didn’t have before.

“I wouldn’t say child abuse is worse now than it was when we first started,” said Calvin, “but we have some work to do.”

Staff Writer Eric Galvan can be reached at 337-3441 or at egalvan@ivpressonline.com