Visit DCYF’s Child Abuse Prevention Month Digital Media Toolkit for tools as well as materials as well as social media content for both individuals and local organizations to use.
Volunteer your time.
Join other parents from your community. Help children who are vulnerable as well as their parents. Set up an activity group.
Make sure your children are disciplined properly.
Never force your child to behave when you’re upset. Allow yourself to relax. Be aware that discipline is an opportunity to educate your child. Utilize privileges to promote good behavior, and use time-outs for your child to get back in control.
Examine your behavior.
The effects of abuse are not only physical. Words and actions can leave deep, long-lasting hurts. Be a nurturing parent. Make sure you show your children and others that disputes could be solved without resorting shouting or hitting.
Be aware of yourself and other.
Supporting parents and children can be the most effective way to stop abuse of children. After-school activities such as parent education classes, mentorship programs, and respite care are just a few of the numerous ways to ensure that children are safe from danger. Make sure you are a vocal supporter of these initiatives in your neighborhood.
Instruct children about their rights.
If children are taught that they are unique and are entitled to be protected they will be much less likely believe abuse is their fault, and more likely to file a complaint against an offender.
- Helping prevent abuse programs. In many cases, intervention is made only after abuse has been disclosed. More investment is needed for programs which have proven to prevent violence before it begins like counseling for families and home visits by nurses who aid babies and their parents.
- Know what is child abuse. Abuse of sexual and physical nature is abuse, but also inattention, or the failure of caregivers or parents to provide the child with food or clothing and also care. Children may also be emotionally abused if they are scolded, beaten or are constantly isolated.
- Be aware of the indicators. Unfortunate injuries aren’t all that indicate abuse. Depression, anxiety about an adult in particular, trouble with trusting other people or making new friends or making friends, sudden changes in sleeping or eating routines, sexually inappropriate behavior or hygiene problems, a lack of secrecy and hostility are all indicators of family issues and could indicate that the child is neglecting or being physically or sexually physically, sexually, or emotionally abused.
- Report abuse. If you observe an injured child or witness the evidence that suggests abuse file an appeal in your state’s child protection services department or your local police. If you are talking to children about abuse, pay attention and reassure the child that he/she has done what did the right thing by talking to an adult and stating that they are not at fault for what transpired.
- Make sure you invest in children. Encourage the leaders of your community to show support for children as well as families. Employers should provide children-friendly workplaces. Inquire lawmakers from your state and local legislatures to help pass legislation to improve the protection of our children as well as make their lives better.
Check out DCYF’s Child Abuse Prevention Month Digital Media Toolkit for resources, materials, and social media posts for individuals and community organizations to use.
- Volunteer your time. Get involved with other parents in your community. Help vulnerable children and their families. Start a playgroup.
- Discipline your children thoughtfully. Never discipline your child when you are upset. Give yourself time to calm down. Remember that discipline is a way to teach your child. Use privileges to encourage good behavior and time-outs to help your child regain control.
- Educate yourself and others. Simple support for children and parents can be the best way to prevent child abuse. After-school activities, parent education classes, mentoring programs, and respite care are some of the many ways to keep children safe from harm. Be a voice in support of these efforts in your community.
- Teach children their rights. When children are taught they are special and have the right to be safe, they are less likely to think abuse is their fault and more likely to report an offender.
- Support prevention programs. Too often, intervention occurs only after abuse is reported. Greater investments are needed in programs that have been proven to stop the abuse before it occurs, such as family counseling and home visits by nurses who assist newborns and their parents.
- Know what child abuse is. Physical and sexual abuse constitute maltreatment, but so does neglect, or the failure of parents or other caregivers to provide a child with needed food, clothing, and care. Children can also be emotionally abused when they are rejected, berated, or continuously isolated.
- Know the signs. Unexplained injuries aren’t the only signs of abuse. Depression, fear of a certain adult, difficulty trusting others or making friends, sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor hygiene, secrecy, and hostility are often signs of family problems and may indicate a child is being neglected or physically, sexually, or emotionally abused.
- Report abuse. If you witness a child being harmed or see evidence of abuse, make a report to your state’s child protective services department or local police. When talking to a child about abuse, listen carefully, assure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling an adult, and affirm that he or she is not responsible for what happened.
- Invest in kids. Encourage leaders in the community to be supportive of children and families. Ask employers to provide family-friendly work environments. Ask your local and national lawmakers to support legislation to better protect our children and to improve their lives.
