April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and to encourage individuals and communities to support children and families.

"Our mission here at family advocacy is to build healthy Air Force communities by developing, implementing and evaluating policies and programs designed to prevent, intervene in and treat child and spouse maltreatment," said Russell Cook, 2d Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy outreach manager.

"At Barksdale, it is our goal to create a community that does not tolerate family maltreatment by educating the base and local community on identifying signs of abuse and neglect and follow through with a referral," he continued. "So often the little things are left unreported, however, what must be understood is that the little things can quickly turn in to serious and sometimes deadly abuse and neglect if no intervention is initiated."

Imagine a world where everyone knew the signs of child abuse and knew what to do to protect children they believe are in danger, Mr. Cook said. Of all victims of violence, children are some of the most vulnerable. Collective community response is essential in preventing the perpetration of child abuse and in facilitating the healing process.

Mr. Cook said April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the right time to start the conversation in the community. The price of silence is simply too high. By rallying local communities, schools and families, a difference can be made in the lives of children across the country.

"By promoting safety, awareness and dialogue, we will shed the light of hope for countless children," he continued.

According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway Web site, the roots of National Child Abuse Prevention Month date back to 1974 and the creation of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), which was designed to increase awareness of the need to protect children.

Members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives discussed this important subject in 1982. They declared June 6-12 National Child Abuse Prevention Week. Afterwards it was decided that one week was not enough time to focus on such a vital issue, so in 1983 April was officially declared National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

"We have information tables at various locations throughout the base where people can pick up information on child abuse prevention," Mr. Cook said. "Join us in Pinwheels for Prevention (the pinwheel represents Child Abuse Prevention.) Pinwheel gardens are being placed in different locations throughout the base to bring awareness to child abuse. Also, come fly a kite with your child to be held April 30 at the ball field next to the youth center."

To learn more about what Family Advocacy has to offer or how you can help, call 456-6595.