How to Prevent Child Abuse

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect. According to Childhelp.org, 3 million cases of child abuse are reported each year, but they estimate the actual number of incidents is 3 times greater than what is reported. If their estimations are accurate, more than 9 million incidents of child abuse are taking place each year. The statistics also show that 4 children die every day as a result of child abuse, and 3 out of 4 of those that die are under the age of 4 years old. As alarming as it is, a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds.

Being a parent isn't easy and every parent is going to become frustrated at one point or another. As a matter of fact, being a parent is one of the hardest jobs in the world and can become overwhelming at times. When big and little problems of everyday life build up to the point where a parent feels out of control, it is important they take time out and remove themselves from the stressful situation. Anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect. Learn how to help children and prevent child abuse. You could be saving the life of a helpless child.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    
   Learn the warning signs of child abuse to stop it from happening!

   To prevent child abuse, learn the signs and symptoms of child abuse so you can recognize them when you see the "red flags." Some common physical signs of child abuse are unexplained burns, cuts, bruises, or welts and bite marks. Remember that neglect is a form of child abuse too. Warning signs of neglect include unsuitable clothing for the weather, a child who is always dirty or unbathed, extreme thirst or hunger, or a blatant lack of parental supervision.

2. 
    
   Be a friend to a child you know and show them you care.

   To prevent child abuse, be a friend to a child you know. Be loving and reassuring and make the child feel comfortable coming to you for help. Show the child you care. If this child knows you care, they are more likely to turn to you for help if they are experiencing any kind of child abuse.

3. 
    
   Help a stressed-out parent by babysitting their children.

   To prevent child abuse, help a stressed-out parent by baby-sitting or lending an understanding ear. Oftentimes, an upset parent can be diffused by having a non-judgemental friend to talk to. Offer to take the child for a few hours to give the parent some rest and relaxation time.

4. 
    
   Report suspected child abuse to the police or Child Protective Services.

   To prevent child abuse, report known or suspected child abuse to the police or local child protective services agency. Many people are afraid to report suspected child abuse because they do not want to falsely accuse someone, but it is better to err on the side of caution. You can always report suspected abuse anonymously. Always act on suspicion. A child's safety is at stake.

5. 
    
   Never shake an infant. Don't discipline when angry.

   To prevent child abuse, never allow a child to be disciplined when anger is out of control. Remove the child from the volatile situation until the parent or caregiver has had time to calm down and think rationally. A crying baby can become a great frustration to parents or caregivers. Never shake a baby for any reason. Many infant deaths are the result of being shaken.

6. 
    
   Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD for help with child abuse.

   If you have a problem with child abuse, or know someone that has a problem, reach out for help. You can call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) any time to talk with a professional counselor. This call will be anonymous. There is no need to feel that you are alone or that no one cares. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is always there to help you. You can also visit the ChildHelp.org web site for information on child abuse prevention and helpful ways to deal with the frustrations and stressors that commonly cause child abuse incidents to happen.

Resources

• ChildHelp.org
• How to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
• How to Protect Children Online

[hollyhood314]

on 4/28/2009 on a serious not i believe there is something going on with my little cousin and I am going to report it to child abuse. I really don't care if my uncle gets mad at me b/c the child's welfare is the most importanrt thing right now. Thank you for the hotline number. Does it matter if you live in the same state as the child does. i hope it doesn't. But tahnk you for reaching out and writing on child abuse, this is a subject that requires action in today's world

[athome]

on 4/10/2009 Great article on prevent child abuse. 5

[tachic]

on 4/10/2009 Great tips to prevent child abuse

[Merriment]

on 4/10/2009 Thank you so much for this informational article to help prevent child abuse.

[sonni57]

on 4/9/2009 Nicely done article on how to prevent child abuse.