Recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month April 2022

Written by :  PROVISION Media
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.  During this month, people worldwide recognize the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen and equip families to prevent child abuse and neglect.  While there is no simple reason that could explain why adults or parents abuse children, it is crucial that we recognize it's happening and help those involved to get help.  
 
Some components that lead to child abuse are complex and can be mixed with other issues. Causes of child abuse can include, but are not limited to:
 
·         A history of child abuse or neglect during their own upbringing
·         Substance abuse
·         Physical or mental conditions
·         Lack of parenting skills
·         Financial pressures
·         Job worries
·         Lack of or no support from friends or family
·         Medical issues
·         Low self-esteem or feelings of shame  
 
Four types of child abuse are emotional, physical, sexual, and neglect.  Physical abuse is the deliberate intention to inflict physical pain.  It can include hitting, kicking, burning, biting, or any action that results in physical harm to the child.  Emotional abuse involves the abuser yelling, belittling, cursing, verbal threats, or tactics to make them feel threatened, ashamed, or degraded.  Sexual abuse, also known as molestation, is when an adult uses a child for sexual stimulation. It may involve viewing, showing or touching, indecent exposure of private parts, and pornography. Child neglect is depriving a child of their basic needs, such as healthcare, clothing, food, and housing; as well as meeting their physical, emotional, educational, and safety needs.  
 
Protecting children from any abuse is everyone’s responsibility.  If you are unsure how to get involved, remember the three R’s—Recognize, Respond and Refer.  The first R is to RECOGNIZE.  Seeing flags such as unexplained bruises, a change in behavior, poor hygiene, fear of going home, crying, seeking attention, and depression are a few flags to look for. The second R is to RESPOND.  If a child confides in you, remember the child is scared, so be compassionate and respectful.  Validate how they feel, reassure them that you are there to help and that it was not their fault.  Be clear on the next steps and let them know what to expect. This will help them regain a feeling of control.  The third R is to REFER.  Contact your local child protective services agency or the Police to make a report.  If you are still unsure what to do or where to go, call the Alliance at 699-0272 for help.