We all know that Earth Day is in April each year. But did you know that April was also declared National Child Abuse Awareness Month in 1983? The Blue Ribbon above represents this important cause.
Child abuse takes many forms; including neglect, physical, sexual and emotional. The harmful effects of child hood abuse stretch far into adulthood. These may include depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic disorder, low self-esteem, eating disorders, flashbacks, substance abuse and other long-term psychological issues.
Child abuse occurs in every age group, every race, every religion and every economic group. No community is untouched.
Abusers are not always family members, but they are also not always strangers in dark alleys. As parents, we should do everything humanly possible to prevent this horrible reality. Being aware is not enough. It is estimated that only one-third of abuse actually gets reported to authorities. In 2006 alone, there were over 900,000 cases of abuse reported in America.
To spread awareness about preventing abuse, I am including some helpful links and resources.
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Child Welfare League of America
Please help spread the word. I ask this because I am a survivor.
Thank you,
Alyssa
“To all who mourn… He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own Glory.” Isaiah 61:3
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Thank you for blogging on this topic. I had almost forgotten, and you inspired me to do my own post to spread the word.
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Elsie,
Thank you so much for spreading the word. It is the very least we can do.
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