Child Abuse Prevention Month

  • Published
  • By Russell F. Cook
  • Family Advocacy Outreach
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Every 10 seconds, a case of child abuse is reported totaling approximately 3 million cases of child abuse each year.

Child Abuse Prevention Month is recognized each April to increase awareness about child abuse and neglect prevention. It also serves as a time to remember those who have suffered and reminds others to help kids and families stay safe and strong.

What is child abuse? Child abuse occurs when a parent or legal guardian inflicts serious physical injury, creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury or commits an act of sexual abuse against his or her child. Anyone can be guilty of child abuse if he or she allows someone else to do these things to a child as well.

The Family Advocacy Program's comprehensive prevention continuum of awareness, education and intervention in high-risk situations reinforces the Air Force's strong and continuous commitment to protect the Air Force family.

Communities must continue to participate in successful prevention campaigns. Members should:

-Recognize signs of distress and take action - is aimed at neighbors, friends, family members, other Airmen and leadership, and is meant to open their eyes to the signs of risk that can lead to abuse. It is also aimed at parents so they can recognize stressors in their own lives.

-Rethink wellness and ways to stay healthy - is aimed at the individual parent who is at low or moderate risk for abuse.

-Reach out for professional help - is aimed at parents considered to be 'high risk' for abuse who can benefit from professional help.

-Report child abuse and neglect - is aimed at the whole community. Suspected abuse must be reported, not overlooked.

Anything you can do to support kids and parents can help reduce stress that often leads to child abuse and neglect. Reach out, get involved and lend a hand. You can also help families by directing them to the Family Advocacy Program. This program enhances Airmen and their families' quality of life by offering them a variety of classes, workshops, and counseling and intervention services. For more information on child abuse prevention or available resources and classes, contact the Family Advocacy office at 456-6595.