Ways to Prevent Child Abuse in Your Community
Preventing child abuse should be everyone’s concern. If you’ve ever thought that the problem is just too big for you to do anything about it, think again. Child abuse is 100% preventable, but only with the support of strong families and communities. In your community you can help to strengthen families and make a difference in the life of a child. Every small effort can bring big rewards and will make a difference in the quality of life in your community.
These are 10 ways to get started:
- Support activities that raise public awareness during April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Contact the Denton County Children’s Advocacy Center for information on becoming involved.
- Volunteer at a local child abuse program. Parent support groups, crisis centers, and hotlines are typical programs that often welcome volunteers.
- Report suspected abuse or neglect. Keeping children safe means that you have a moral and legal obligation to inform authorities if you have a suspicion that children are being harmed. You do not need to have proof that abuse is occurring, only a reasonable suspicion. It is the responsibility of Child Protective Services and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prove or disprove any reported suspicions.
- Advocate for services to help families. Communities need comprehensive services that address issues that affect families. Parenting programs, health care, and housing needs are all important to maintaining healthy children and families.
- Speak up for non-violent television programming for children. Let local television stations and sponsors of network programs know that you consider excessive violence inappropriate for young viewers.
- Make a contribution to a child abuse prevention organization. Your donations are put to good use in much-needed community programs. Prevention services are critical to preventing child abuse and to strengthening families.
- Help a friend neighbor, or relative. Someone you know may be struggling with his or her parenting responsibilities. Offer a sympathetic ear or a helping hand. Assisting occasionally with child care or offering to locate services in the community for help can be a tremendous boost to someone under stress.
- Help yourself. Recognize the signs that indicate outside help is needed. If you feel overwhelmed, constantly sad, angry, and out of control, get some help. Remember, it is a sign of strength, not weakness, to ask for help.
- Support and suggest programs on child abuse prevention by local organizations. Kiwanis Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Exchange Clubs, PTAs, church groups, and women’s and men’s clubs all offer excellent opportunities for raising public awareness in the community.
- Promote programs in schools. Teaching children prevention strategies can help keep them safe from those who would abuse them.
What Every Parent Should Know
Please, Mom and Dad . . .
My hands are small.
I don’t mean to spill my milk.
My legs are short.
Please slow down so I can keep up with you .
Don’t slap my hands when I touch something bright and pretty. I don’t understand.
Please look at me when I talk to you. It lets me know you are really listening.
My feelings are tender
Don’t nag me all day. Let me make mistakes without feeling stupid.
Don’t expect the bed I make or the picture I draw to be perfect.
Just love me for trying.
Remember I am a child, not a small adult.
Sometimes I don’t understand what you are saying.
I love you so much. Please love me just for being me - not just for the things I can do.
To Report Suspected Child Abuse Call:
The Child Abuse Hotline:
1-800-252-5400
