Child abuse may be all too common the world over, but thankfully there is an ever-growing community of activists and advocates working to combat this issue.
Since 1983, April has been designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The purpose of the designation was to create an aid infrastructure, spread awareness and share resources for the prevention of child abuse. With 618,399 reported cases of child abuse, this national observance is still sorely needed.
In Fairfax County alone, there were approximately 11,000 calls made to the 24hr protective service hotline in 2021. Thankfully however, many of these calls were also from people seeking help, guidance, and referrals to parenting programs and supportive services. That same year, over 2,600 children in Fairfax County were involved with Child Protective Services (CPS).
What can you do to help? Some of the best ways to help are by spreading awareness and resources that aid abuse prevention. Via social media, you can join the conversation about Child Abuse Prevention Month by using the hashtags #BuildingStrongerFamilies, #ChildAbusePreventionMonth and #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices. Additionally, you can share the resources for child abuse prevention attached to the end of this article.
Another way to help children trapped in the cycle of abuse is by acting as a direct advocate. However, recognizing signs of maltreatment is not always easy, as child abuse can manifest in several forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse. If you work with or personally interact with children, be on the lookout for minute changes in bruising, hygiene, behavior, and eating habits. While some changes are innocuous, if you see something, say something. Schools and care centers usually have protocols for dealing with formal concerns, and CPS hotlines are always a viable option for reporting issues. Resources to help recognize the signs of child abuse are shared in this article's addendum.
Truly ending this issue will only come from changing the hearts and minds of our youth, as they are the parents of the future. That is why this year's theme for Child Abuse Prevention Month is “Words Matter”. This theme challenges parents, teachers, and caregivers to speak encouraging words that build up a child's sense of self-worth. By strengthening a positive self image and promoting personal relationships without destructive behaviors, our children can create loving future families that break cycles of abuse.
Resources:
- A guide for recognizing child abuse and neglect
- Frequently asked questions about child abuse and Child Protective Services
- Fairfax County Child Protective Services 24-hour hotline: 703-324-7400
- Parent Support Line: 703-324-7720 (Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm. Resource for parenting advice and support. Language options are available).