Every April we don our blue in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Our goal is to raise awareness about the signs of child abuse and steps that can be taken to prevent it in our community. During Child Abuse Prevention Month —and all year long—it is important to focus on ways share positive parenting techniques, offer community support, and look out for our kids to ensure they are kept safe. Let’s watch our children thrive! This month will also be full of fun community activities to share with your kids, so make sure you download a copy of the Child Abuse Prevention Month Activity Calendar to hang on your fridge.
Download the Child Abuse Prevention Month Activity Calendar
The start to preventing child abuse begins at home, but the responsibility also extends to our community.
“It takes a village to raise a child” is an Alaska Native proverb. It draws us back to how our entire community works together to ensure the growth and safety of our children. While the members of our immediate family do shape our values, beliefs, and personalities, the people that surround us (our environment), also have a noteworthy impact on our overall development. Community members that get involved with local youth organizations, volunteer at local youth events, support youth fundraisers for activities, and offer support to neighborhood families make a huge impact for positive youth development. And this includes being willing to make a report when it’s needed.
It’s a hard fact to swallow, that reports of child abuse happen every ten seconds in the U.S. And our region in Alaska is not immune to this statistic. Sadly enough, most kids know their abusers and are often afraid to report what is happening to them. We need to be ready to identify signs of abuse in order to put an end to it.
Signs of neglect include significant absences from school, a child voicing that there is no one at home to provide care or meals, signs of a lack of needed medical care.
Signs of physical abuse include fading bruises or other marks, frequently wearing unclean clothing, or if a child reports injury by a parent or another caregiver.
If you or someone else is in immediate and serious danger, you should call 911.
To make a report of something that possibly happened in the past, if you see signs of abuse or if a child discloses abuse call the Alaska State Troopers at 907) 443-2835, the Nome Police department at (907) 443- 5262, and/or the child abuse hotline at (800) 478-4444. Don’t hesitate if you aren’t sure, the best thing you can do is let someone know. Teachers are mandatory reporters and can help you report if you feel unsure.
Parenting is a hard job, and sometimes all we can do is feel like we are surviving. But loving our children isn’t a question. No parent is perfect; we’re all figuring it out day after day, but putting in the effort and learning about childhood milestones and how to have a positive home helps us get to a better place for ourselves and our kids.
Here are some resources for parents:
CDC Website on Positive Parenting
