Along with warmer weather, April brings added attention to the need for child abuse prevention. Because it’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month, St.Vincent Health is taking a full week to teach the community more about putting a stop to child abuse.
Even though you maintain a loving and nurturing home, you may still come in contact with children who are victims of abuse. Your child’s friends, kids you encounter at work, children of family friends—any of these children could be struggling with abuse that goes undetected.
According to a study published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2010, more than 1,700 children die each year as a result of child abuse. Children ages 4 and younger make up the largest portion in this group.
Changing These Statistics
In many cases, child abuse occurs because parents don’t know what to expect once they’ve had a child and succumb to the pressures of parenthood. Being a mom or dad is a tough job—but by becoming educated, discussing the trials and tribulations you’ve experienced as a parent, sharing your knowledge with others, and helping friends and family members realize they’re not alone, you may save a child from a tragic act of abuse.
Next week, you’ll receive tips covering some common causes of child abuse, including excessive crying in infants, toilet accidents, selecting an unprepared babysitter, backtalk and teen rebellion. You’ll learn that it’s normal to feel drained and stretched thin—but you’ll also learn appropriate and healthy ways to overcome the situations you may face.
If you find value in next week’s tips, forward them to a friend or loved one. Even if your sister’s child is in elementary school and you gained a lot from an article about getting to know your teenager’s friends, send it along. Her child will be a teen before she knows it, and it’s best for parents to be prepared. By sharing what you learn about child abuse prevention, you’ll be joining the team at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent in their efforts to put an end to child abuse.
If you need advice about handling issues at home or have concerns about the safety of a child in your life, contact the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent Child Protection Team at 317.338.3153.
Reviewed by Shannon Coffey, M.D., F.A.A.P., medical director, Child Protection Team, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent, and Sheila Day, L.C.S.W., program coordinator, Child Protection Team, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.
The above article in no way seeks to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice or care. Please consult your child’s primary care provider regarding any and all information contained therein.
