April 30 marks the last day of Child Abuse Prevention Month, but child abuse doesn’t end at the end of April, and neither can prevention.
Child abuse is happening all of the time, every month of the year, at all hours of the day. In April alone, an estimated 150 children in the United States will die due to abuse of neglect. In reality that number is likely much greater. Now just image that number every month for a year. Those children and the children who live through abuse every day is why we must continue to work as a community to prevent child abuse beyond the month of April.
There are so many practical things in our day to day lives that we can be doing to help with the prevention of child abuse.
Practical steps you can take at home to help with child abuse prevention:
- Learning the facts about child abuse can be the most powerful tool in preventing it.
- Learn to identify what child abuse looks like, the signs and symptoms of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse.
- Let your children know that it is not okay for anyone to hurt them or make them feel uncomfortable, and that they should tell a trusted adult if that happens.
- Teach your children that adults should never ask them to keep secrets.
- Educate your children on the correct terms for their body parts – allowing your children to more clearly verbalize abuse if it occurs.
- Let your children decide for themselves how they want to express affection, and let them know they have the power to say “no” to an unwanted kiss, hug, or touch.
Steps you can take in your community to help with child abuse prevention:
- Share your knowledge and helpful resources with others.
- The Children's Advocacy Project has been specially trained to teach adults how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child abuse and child sexual abuse. Learn more about scheduling a training course for your organization or group by calling 307-232-0159.
- Donate to organizations that support family well-being and healthy childhoods
- Learn how a gift to the Children's Advocacy Project can be an investment in the lives of the children we serve. All of the services provided at CAP are at no cost to our clients. We rely on private donations for a large part of our funds to provide our services. Make a donation.