April is also Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.
Wear Blue April 5 to show your support.
Every child deserve to grow up in a safe, stable and nurturing environment. We all can show our support by promoting and strengthening prevention efforts in our community.
Whether you are a parent, teacher, coach, neighbor, family member or friend you can help. Caring adults can support the healthy growth and development of children who have experienced abuse by trusting them and helping them recognize it is not their fault.
If a child tells you that he or she has been abused one of the most important things you can do is stay calm. You should also:
- Listen to the child’s works and expressed emotions. Believe the child and stress that their safety is important.
- Not pressure the child for information.
- Reassure the child they have done nothing wrong. Abuse is not their fault.
- Remember that the people who harm children is often people the children loves
- Avoid negative comments. Encourage the child by telling them it was brave for the to tell you.
Anyone can report suspected abuse or neglect. Contact your local child protective services or law enforcement agency so they can access the situation.
