Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month is about bringing awareness to how we can stop the cycle of child abuse by being proactive through prevention.

Child abuse prevention focuses on building up families' strengths so they can care for their children safely and stop abuse from occurring in the first place. 

The strategy for preventing child abuse is twofold. The short-term plan involves education and intervention. In the long term, we want to raise children in safe and caring communities and environments so they can grow into healthy and stable adults.

Victor is committed to providing support and programs to educate others and prevent child abuse by supporting families and children. We provide counseling and therapy for our clients to heal from traumas sometimes caused by child abuse, but we also intervene when child abuse is occurring and work to correct behavior and improve homes. 

The past few years has caused more conversation around this issue for a few reasons. Child abuse is known to increase during times of crisis. Domestically, a pandemic and struggling economy both fall into that category. However, we also need to look closer at how our current societal reality is affecting individual families in ways unique to each one. 

Facts and Statistics

Some statistics to know about child abuse in America. 

• The most common type of maltreatment is neglect.
• In Federal fiscal year 2020, about 3.9 million referrals were made to child protective services concerning the safety and well-being of approximately 7.1 million children.
• Last year, an estimated 618,000 children were found to be victims of child abuse or neglect nationwide.

Protective Factors 

There are five or six Protective Factors. These are environmental and societal contributions or factors that decrease risk and help families to function as healthy as possible. 

1. Nurturing and Attachment

“We love each other”

An early experience of positive nurturing from a parent greatly impacts a child’s development.

2. Knowledge of Parenting

“I can choose what works best for my children”

This is when parents are able to give affection, respectful communication and listening, and secure boundaries with safe opportunities for independence. The more parents understand these aspects of raising a child, they are more likely to do them intentionally. 

3. Parental Resilience 

“I deserve self-care”

Parenting is hard, and life can be difficult sometimes. Therefore, resiliency in a parent is crucial in helping them bounce back and be there for children even when they are feeling down. A parent doesn't have to go at it alone and there are many services and communities like ours to provide support. 

4. Social Connections 

“We are connected”

Not just for children, but for parents too. When adults have a community of other adults to support them in the raising of a child, they find it easier to parent. As the old saying goes, “It takes a village.” We are a proud to be a part of many villages!

5. Concrete Support for Families

“I can find help for my family”

A family's ability to take care of their basic needs and also seek outside resources are better able to ensure safety and well-being for their kids. Basic necessities like food and power can be a financial burden and uncertain for some families. Be on the lookout for resources through your county and local non-profits and share any info you can. 

6. Social/Emotional Competence

“I help my child learn social skills”

It starts early. A positive relationship with their guardian affects all aspects of their behavioral development. This can also be serviced by teachers and other important adults in a child's life.

Watch the video below to hear a success story provided by The Children's Bureau, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This department funds the National Child Abuse Prevention Month initiative each April on the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

We are Here to Help

Though education, prevention, community and mental health services, Victor and its partners are able to help break the cycle of abuse and its causes. We strive to create healthy families and provide healing for better futures of all ages and are proud to do so.

If you are interested in lending a hand in helping others heal from child abuse and preventing it, please click the link below to explore our current career opportunities.