April: Raising Awareness for Child Abuse Prevention

April Marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month: A Time to Raise Awareness and Protect Our Children

April is officially recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness about child abuse prevention and to emphasize the importance of protecting children and supporting families. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and nurtured—not just by parents but by every adult in their lives.

Child abuse takes many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and it is not always at the hands of a parent. Abuse can be inflicted by a trusted relative, a family friend, or even an official overseeing a family’s case. When abuse occurs, it doesn’t just affect the child—it disrupts and devastates the entire family system.

As a Christian, I believe it is critical to act immediately to protect a child from an abusive situation—without hesitation and without worrying about what others will say. Your priority must be your child’s safety and healing. If you suspect abuse, do not wait. Take immediate action—remove the child from the dangerous environment and seek professional help. Find a therapist for your child and for yourself. Healing is not a solitary journey, and no parent should have to walk it alone. If you suspect abuse, do not wait. Take immediate action—remove the child from the dangerous environment and seek professional help. Find a licensed therapist for both your child and yourself because both need support in the healing process. Healing is not a solitary journey, and no parent should have to walk it alone.

Therapy for abused children is a critical step toward healing and recovery. No parent should have to bear the pain of discovering that someone they trusted with their child has caused them harm. That pain is deep and lasting, especially when you’ve worked hard to live righteously, instill good values, and create a safe home.

Sadly, there are times when abusers go unpunished, often due to lost paperwork, system failures, or lack of evidence. That’s why it’s crucial to act fast and report child abuse as soon as possible. Document everything: names, dates, times, and conversations. Keep hard copies of all communication because digital documents can sometimes be compromised or disappear. A solid paper trail can help ensure accountability and protection.

It's important to learn the signs of child abuse, which may include unexplained injuries, withdrawal, sudden changes in behavior, fear of certain individuals, or regression in developmental milestones. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s worth investigating.

If you or someone you know needs help with a situation involving abuse, these trusted resources offer guidance and support:

• Child Welfare Information Gateway – National Child Abuse Prevention Month Resources:
  https://www.childwelfare.gov/preventionmonth/
  
  
• New York State Senate on Child Abuse Prevention Month:
  https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/2017/thomas-f-omara/april-national-child-abuse-prevention-month
  
  

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (n.d.). National Child Abuse Prevention Month. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.childwelfare.gov/preventionmonth/

O'Mara, T. F. (2017). April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. New York State Senate. https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/2017/thomas-f-omara/april-national-child-abuse-prevention-month