Reports of child abuse down in Chester County, prompting concerns of underreporting Reports of child abuse down in Chester County, prompting concerns of underreporting In Chester County, reports to a state-run hotline for child abuse and neglect are down 42 percent over the past year. All the while, most people were home more, and under more stress. WEST CHESTER, Pa. - The coronavirus pandemic is leaving emotional scars on an entire generation of children, but the most devastating damage may be happening out of view. Online schools and a lack of social interaction have left teachers, coaches, and other adults unable to intervene in cases of abuse.