April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
During the month of April, you may be seeing blue ribbons and blue pinwheels in our area. That is because many non-profits and organizations which work with children are hoping to raise awareness around the issue of child abuse in our community. Whether the abuse is physical or emotional, the toll on a child can last a lifetime and lead to significant developmental delays and even adverse physical outcomes later on in the life of a child. So what can you do to help children? A lot.
1) Help alleviate stress in a family you know. High levels of stress within a family can lead to increased incidences of at-risk behaviors. If you notice that a family is experiencing stress due to economic or other worries, reach out. Offer a "time out" to parents by offering to babysit for free. Form a relationship. Show them you care. Positive relationships can help to reduce stress and promote well-being.
2) Be a good listener. We all need to feel like we matter. Sometimes, someone who is under tremendous pressure simply needs to feel that they are heard. You can practice empathy by simply listening: you do not necessarily need to offer solutions, but simply lend an ear.
3) Learn to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect in a child, such as avoidance of other adults or an inability to make eye contact.
4) If you suspect something, please, say something. It is up to everyone to be protectors and advocates for the children in our community. They belong to all of us.
