We Can Stop Child Abuse!

HOW CAN WE STOP CHILD ABUSE?

The following information is from The Inllinois Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America!

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Teaming up to Keep Kids Safe at Home! TM

What You Can Do to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect in Your Community

Raise the issue

O Educate yourself and others in your community to help prevent abuse from happening in the first place.

• Call or write your elected officials and ask them to support increased funding for child abuse prevention, intervention and treatment programs.

• Contact your local school district and faith community to encourage them to sponsor classes and support programs for new parents.

• Wear a blue ribbon to show your support for child abuse prevention.

Reach Out to kids & parents in your community

• Anything you do to support kids and parents in your community helps reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect.

o Offer to baby-sit

o Donate your used children’s clothing, furniture and toys for use by another family

o Assist new parents and children in whatever way you can

Remember the risk factors

• Child abuse and neglect occurs in all segments of society, but the risk factors aregreater in families where parents:

- Abuse alcohol or drugs

- Are isolated from their families or communities

- Have difficulty controlling anger or stress

- Appear uninterested in the care, nourishment or safety of their children

- Seem to have serious economic, housing or personal problems

Recognize the warning signs

• Warning signs that a child might be abused or neglected include:

- Nervousness around adults

- Aggression toward adults or other children

- Inability to concentrate or stay awake for extended time periods

- Sudden, dramatic changes in personality or behavior

-Unnatural interest in sex

- Frequent or unexplained bruises or injuries

- Low self-esteem

- Poor hygiene

Report suspected abuse or neglect!

TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP PREVENT CHILD ABUSE

1. Volunteer your time with an agency that serves children and families. Some examples might be an after school program, a mentoring program, or a parenting class.

2. Educate yourself and others about what child abuse is. Know the warning signs of child abuse.

3. Support local programs that prevent child abuse. Consider asking your church or social group to do a fundraiser for an organization that prevents child abuse or works with abused children.

4. Teach your children their rights. Help them learn who the supportive and caring adults in their lives are, and make sure they know who they can talk to if they are hurt in any way.

5. Teach your children to solve problems without violence. Set a good example by avoiding using violence to discipline children or pets.

6. Get to know your neighbors and their children. Offer to help neighbors, and ask for their help occasionally.

7. If you know of a family that's under stress, offer to help out by babysitting or helping with chores.

8. Find out what resources are available in your community to families, such as parenting support groups, sliding-scale counseling, or crisis respite care. Ask your library to create a parenting resource section.

9. Know your children's friends. Make them feel welcome in your home.

10. If you feel that a child is being abused, report it! One phone call could save a child's life. The authorities will not tell anyone who made the report.

Visit Angel's "Never, EVER Hurt a Child" store! 50% of the profits from sales at this store will go to Childhelp USA! Products include shirts, mugs, and posters with this image printed on them!

HOW TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE

Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD
(1-800-422-4453)
Each day in the United States, more than 3 children die as a result of child abuse in the home. In 1998, an estimated 1,100 children died of abuse and neglect-an average of more than 3 children per day. (source: Childhelp USA)

The following information is from the Massachussetts Citizens for Children website.

Ways You Can Stop Child Abuse in a Public Place

It can be very uncomfortable to watch the mistreatment of a child by an adult out of control. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help...

Start a conversation with the adult to direct attention away from the child. For example:
"She seems to be trying your patience."
"My child has gotten upset like that too."
"He has beautiful (eyes)" - to get the parent in a positive mood.
"Children can wear you out, can't they? Is there anything I can do to help?"

Divert the child's attention (if misbehaving) by talking to the child.

Look for an opportunity to praise the parent or child.

If the child is in danger, offer assistance. For example, if the child is left unattended in a grocery cart, stand by the child until the parent returns.

Avoid negative remarks or looks. These reactions are likely to increase the parent's anger and could make matters worse.

FOR MORE WAYS TO PREVENT CHILD ABUSE IN YOUR COMMUNITY, CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING BANNERS!

OPERATION TEDDY CARE!

Send new teddies to children in crisis!

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