April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

How to make a difference in your community

By Dr. Larry Nickens, Goldsboro Pediatrics

Child abuse and neglect is a growing epidemic in our nation and there are organizations all over the country dedicated to its prevention. During the month of April is a special time. Programs are held and people come together to try and put and end to child abuse and neglect.

Child abuse and neglect affects children of every race, age and income level. More often than not it occurs at home by a familiar face and often the abusers are ordinary people caught up in stressful situations. Examples may include young mothers and fathers who are unprepared for the responsibilities of having children, overwhelmed single parents or parents who abuse alcohol or drugs. There are many warning signs to tell if a child is being abused or neglected.

Neglect is the failure to provide basic needs for a child such as shelter, clothing, medical attention and education. Possible indications of neglect may be signs of malnutrition, poor hygiene, unattended medical problems or the child may just clearly state that there is no one at home to care for them.

Physical abuse is intentional injury inflicted on a child such as, shaking, beating, kicking or punching. Possible warning signs that physical abuse is occurring may be broken bones or unexplained bruises, the caretaker and child’s stories about bruising are inconsistent or the child is frightened of a parent or caretaker.

Emotional abuse that has gone unnoticed can be just as damaging as physical abuse or neglect. Emotional abuse occurs when a parent or caretaker fails to show feelings of warmth, caring and attention that a child needs for healthy mental growth. Warning signs of emotional abuse could be noticing the parent or caretakers constant criticizing, insulting a child with no signs of love or support or the child shows delayed signs of physical, emotional or intellectual development.

If you suspect abuse, reporting it right away can help protect the child and provide help for the family. Any concerned person can and should report suspected child abuse. As a concerned adult you must remember that a report is not an accusation. It is simply an expression of concern and request for further investigation of the child’s situation. Reporting your concern anonymously is also an option. You can immediately contact your state’s Child Abuse Hotline or local child protective services (CPS). For more information on how to file a report, please call the Child Help hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.

Research shows that children who are abused or neglected are more likely to repeat that behavior by entering into violent relationships as adults or even abusing their own children in the future. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, studies show that 30-60% of families experience domestic violence and child abuse. Each week Child Protective Services receives 50,000 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect.

Last year, the organization, Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina distributed 200,000 educational brochures and all 100 North Carolina counties took place in prevention programs. There is a lot that can be done to strengthen the prevention of child abuse and neglect and it can begin in your community. When it comes to spreading the word about child abuse prevention there are 10 tips suggested from www.childabuse.org:

• Volunteer your time. Get involved in programs with parents in your community to help needy children and families. Try starting a playgroup.
• Discipline your children thoughtfully. Never discipline when stressed out. Wait until you calm down and use discipline as a teaching and learning device.
• Examine your behavior and others around you. Abuse can also be emotional and words can cause lasting harm. Be a nurturing parent and encourage other parents to do the same.
• Educate yourself and others. The support of children and parents may be the best way to prevent child abuse. Get involved in after-school activities and parent education programs. Be a voice in support of these efforts in your community.
• Teach children their rights. Children who are taught that they are special and have the right to be safe are less likely to believe that abuse is their fault and more likely to report an offender.
• Support prevention programs. Programs have been developed to stop abuse before it occurs, such as family counseling. Look for programs like these or develop your own with the help of concerned parents and adults in your community.
• Know what child abuse is. This article covers several types of abuse. Know how and why these types of abuse occur and ways to prevent future abuse from occurring.
• Know the signs. Signs of abuse can also be found earlier on in this article. Keep an eye on children who you feel might be scared to stand up and say they were abused. Make sure these signs do not go unseen.
• Report abuse. Make sure you follow the guidelines listed in this article when reporting a suspected abuse case. Talk to the child about it, listen carefully and assure the child that they did the right thing by telling an adult. Be certain they understand that they are not responsible for what happened.
• Invest in kids. Encourage political officials and leaders in your community to be supportive of children and families and to support the need for more programs to help prevent child abuse and neglect.

About Goldsboro Pediatrics
Goldsboro Pediatrics’ goal is to optimize the growth and development of children to ensure their success as healthy, happy and productive adults in tomorrow’s society. Physician offices are located in Goldsboro, Mt. Olive, Princeton and La Grange. For further information, please visit www.goldsboropediatrics.com.