April is National Child Abuse Prevention Monthby Gale Horinbein, MSW, LISW-CPSCAN (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect) Coordinator Three million reports concerning five million children were made to child protective services agencies throughout the United States in 2000. Approximately 879,000 children were found to have been victims of abuse or neglect. Almost two-thirds (about 63 percent) of the victims experienced neglect, meaning a caregiver failed to provide for the child’s basic needs. Fewer children were found to have been physically abused (19 percent) or sexually abused (10 percent), though these cases are often more likely to be publicized. The smallest number (8 percent) were victims of emotional abuse, which includes criticizing, rejecting or refusing to nurture a child. Tragically, an average of three children die each day as a result of child abuse or neglect. No group of children is immune from maltreatment. Boys and girls experienced neglect and physical abuse almost equally; however, girls were four times more likely to experience sexual abuse. Children of all races, ethnicities and ages experienced abuse but the youngest children were most vulnerable. Those younger than 1 accounted for 44 percent of child fatalities; 85 percent of the children who died were younger than 6 years of age. The perpetrators of child abuse and neglect were the very people responsible for the child’s safety and well-being (included parents, other relatives and babysitters) with at least four out of five victims being abused by at least one parent. The most common group responsible for neglect and physical abuse were mothers acting alone. In sexual abuse cases, non-relatives, fathers acting alone and other relatives were more likely to be responsible. Abuse and neglect are associated with both short and long-term consequences that may affect not only the child and family but society as a whole. Some of these include brain damage, developmental delays, learning disorders, problems forming relationships, aggressive behavior and depression. Survivors of abuse and neglect may beat a greater risk for problems later in life such as low academic achievement, drug use, teen pregnancy and criminal behavior. To raise awareness about the impact of child maltreatment and its prevention, the Blue Ribbon Campaign is held each year during the month of April, Child Abuse Prevention Month. Throughout the month, the community is encouraged to wear a blue ribbon to symbolize their awareness and commitment to finding solutions to end child abuse and neglect. The campaign was initiated in 1989 by a Virginia grandmother, Bonnie Finney, as a tribute to her grandson. Three-year-old Michael Wayne Dickenson was killed by his mother’s abusive boyfriend and his battered body was found at the bottom of a canal. Following her grandson's death, Finney started a personal crusade to help protect children by tying a blue ribbon to her van antenna to remind herself and others of the terrible beatings her grandson sustained. This action touched so many people in her community that it spread from neighbors to the media and eventually grabbed the nation’s attention. Today the blue ribbon has become the national symbol of child abuse and a constant reminder of our need to protect children. Although all the causes of child abuse and neglect are not known, research has identified several risk factors and protective factors. Studies have also shown that when multiple risk factors are present, the risk is greater. For example, lack of knowledge of issues surrounding parenting, financial or other environmental stressors, difficulty in relationships and depression or other mental health problems can lead to abusive and neglectful behavior. Parents may lack an understanding of their child’s developmental stages and have unreasonable expectations for their abilities. They may be unaware of alternatives to corporal punishment or how to discipline their children most effectively at each age. Through prevention services such as parent education, home visitation and parent support groups, many families are able to find the support they need to stay together and care for their children. These efforts build on family strengths. They help parents develop their parenting skills, understand the benefits of nonviolent discipline techniques and understand and meet their child’s emotional, physical and developmental needs. Prevention programs can also help parents identify needs they may have and offer assistance in getting that additional support. Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to highlight the significant problem of child abuse and neglect. Please get involved. Wear a blue ribbon and support the prevention of child abuse. For information about programs to prevent child abuse and neglect, contact
the Exchange Club Center at 747-1339. To order blue ribbons, call 792-8947.
Making a Difference: How can I help protect children?
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