April of every year is Child Abuse Prevention month. It is such a difficult topic to talk about. Everyone seems to have their own definition of what it is exactly, and it is such a horrific thought to most of us, that we just put it out of our minds and pretend it doesn't really happen.
It does. Every day. To millions of children worldwide. Recently, U.S. media has covered Sex Trafficking in other countries, but I don't hear much about what is happening in our own country. Locally, we do occasionally hear of a toddler or infant dying at the hands of a drug influenced boyfriend or girlfriend. I admit that I cringe when I hear those stories, and sometimes turn the channel.
From www.childhelp.org:
Child Abuse in America
Children are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect. Every year more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving more than 6 million children (a report can include multiple children). The United States has one of the worst records among industrialized nations – losing on average between four and seven children every day to child abuse and neglect.The top 3 types of abuse are 1. Neglect 2. Physical Abuse 3. Sexual Abuse
http://www.childhelp.org/pages/statistics/
As a school counselor, I alone make 5-6 reports per year to the Department of Child Services, mostly because I am a mandated reporter (we all are), and ANY suspicion of abuse must be reported. The Department then makes the decision as to whether they are going to investigate the case.
There is so much information about child abuse, and the main thing I want to emphasize is to be aware. If you see something, do something. Anyone can and must report suspected abuse. The national hotline is 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
Child abuse is a type of cancer. For the person being abused, the more it happens, the more likely great damage will be done for a lifetime. When we help stop it early, give children the treatment and care they need and deserve, they have a much higher chance of overcoming and surviving- just like cancer.
For more information, you may also go to www.childwelfare.gov.
