How can you prevent child abuse?

The end of April is almost here and, with that, the end of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Just because the month's designation changes, doesn't mean that we don't have to be any less vigilant with our children or the children in our care. 

Now that we know more about recognizing the signs of abuse and neglect, we need to work together to prevent it in the first place.

Here are some steps we can take:

• Listen: Talk to and listen to your child. Show your child that you are always available to listen to them and that you support them. 
• Know who your child knows: Most abusers are someone well-known to the child or family. Statistics show that 90% of child sexual assault victims know their abuser. 
• Avoid one adult/one child situations: Don't leave your child alone with adults you don't know or don't trust.
• Monitor your child’s internet and cell phone use: Offenders often use the internet and text messaging to lure children into contact. Teach your kids about internet safety.
• Offer help and ask for help: Assist your friends, neighbors, and family members with child care when able. Ask someone you can trust for help when you need it.
• Educate your child: Teach your child about their body and the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching. Tell your children that inappropriate touching could happen with anyone. Also remember that not all abuse is physical. Children should be aware of what is appropriate behavior and what isn't. Let them know it’s OK for them to tell another safe adult if something happens. Make sure your child knows who the safe adults are in their lives.
• Teach your child to say “no”: A child should be able to set their own boundaries about whether or not they are comfortable around a particular adult. Give them permission to say “NO” if they do not want to hug, kiss, or be touched in any way by another adult.  

If a child tells you about incidents of abuse and/or neglect, please make a report to ChildLine's 24-hour hotline by calling 800-932-0313.  

We at CASA want to make sure that every child who finds themselves in the Luzerne County foster care system because of abuse and neglect is safe, secure, and given the opportunity to thrive. You can help make that happen for them by becoming a CASA volunteer. If volunteering isn’t right for you, you can recommend someone you know to become a volunteer or make a donation to our program. 

* Info adapted from the Center for Child Protection

Recognizing signs of child abuse

According to ChildHelp.org, a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds. Those same statistics tell us that every year, more than 3.6 million referrals are made to various child protection agencies for more than 6.6 million children.

There are multiple types of child abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect.

During National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, take a moment to learn some of the signs of abuse and neglect so you can help break the cycle and change the lives of children who are hurting. (Info below from One With Courage.)

• New Fears: An abused or neglected child could develop new fears of situations, places, or people.
• Anger/Hostility: An abused or neglected child might take the anger they feel toward their abuser or situation out on others or on themselves.
• Sexual Behaviors: An abused or neglected child might act out sexually.
• Sleeping/Eating: A child might have problems sleeping or start having nightmares. They might have changes in their eating patterns, such as a sudden loss or gain in appetite.
• Problems at School: A change in grades or behavior in school is common. Teachers may notice a child’s grades slipping or that a child is having trouble concentrating.
• Boundaries: Look for changes in the way a child interacts with others. An abused or neglected child might become overly friendly to strangers, tolerate abuse or bullying from other children, become isolated or withdrawn, or become overly obedient.
• Self-Destructive: A child who is being abused or neglected might feel guilt and shame over their situation and may begin hurting themselves. Look for signs of cutting, drug/alcohol use, other forms of physical harm, and even suicide attempts.

So what do you do if you notice any of these signs? Contact ChildLine’s 24-hour hotline at 800-932-0313. Trained intake specialists will answer your call and determine the most appropriate course of action. Anyone can report suspected abuse – even if you wish to remain anonymous.

If you have reason to believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

Also, if you are a professional who works with children, you could be required to report any suspected abuse. Visit PA’s Family Support Alliance to find out if you are a Mandated Reporter.

To help change the lives of children who are abused and neglected, we hope you’ll consider becoming a CASA volunteer. If volunteering isn’t right for you, you can recommend someone you know to become a volunteer or make a donation to our program.