Every year, Child Abuse Awareness Month is observed in April to recognize the efforts made by our communities and families in bringing up this issue in front of the world. Did you know that every one out of seven children in the U.S has experienced physical and sexual abuse? During this month, as well as the whole year, citizens are encouraged to raise the issue of child abuse and the well-being of children and families around the country.
History of Child Abuse Awareness Month
The first National Child Abuse Awareness Month was declared by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. The declaration was given through the efforts of Child help founders Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson.
After four years, April was formally established as the Child Abuse Prevention Month by President Ronald Reagan. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services requests the communities to actively take part in preventing child abuse and be supportive of the well-being of families. The federal government of the United States gives funds in support of child abuse cause.
According to a report, 646,000 children became the victims of child abuse and another 1580 children died due to child abuse. It was also found that most of the cases could have been prevented through community support and programs. In reality, four million referrals are sent to Child Protection Services agencies showing concerns of abuse involving over six million children.
Child abuse was first recognized in the twentieth century. The cases of child abuse are found more in developed countries rather than in developing countries. However, children have been beaten and physically abused for thousands of years, due to the belief that a child is a property of a parent.
Child Abuse Awareness Month timeline
In the Middle Ages, unwanted children are forced to work or given to convents and monasteries.
In the U.S., the first case of child abuse is taken into account.
57 societies for the prevention of being cruel to children and 307 societies responsible for the welfare of children were established.
A month-long initiative for child abuse prevention is celebrated after a presidential proclamation.
Child Abuse Awareness Month FAQs
What are the four types of child maltreatment?
The four types of abuse are physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect.
What is the most difficult kind of abuse to substantiate?
The most difficult kind of abuse to substantiate is verbal abuse.
What type of abuse is the hardest to detect?
Emotional abuse is often mixed with other forms of abuse and is hard to detect.
How to Observe Child Abuse Awareness Month
Encourage children to speak up against child abuse
Encourage your children or the children living in your community to speak up if they have been mistreated or sexually abused.
Promote prevention of mistreatment of children
Promote the prevention of child abuse through social media or webinars.
Volunteer to work for child abuse protection organizations
Find out about the organizations working for child abuse prevention and contribute to helping this cause on your part by working for them.
5 Interesting Facts About Child Abuse
It causes many problems
Victims of child abuse are at a risk for emotional, physical, relationship problems.
There are various types
Common types of child abuse include emotional abuse, physical assault, and sexual assault.
Alcohol abuse is a big contributor
Parents abusing alcohol and drugs are more likely to neglect and abuse their children.
Abuse causes social problems
Abused children are not able to express emotions safely.
It has the same rates among all genders
Boys and girls face similar rates of child abuse.
Why Do We Observe Child Abuse Awareness Month
It helps to predict child abuse signs
Child Abuse Awareness Month helps in making us learn about the signs of child abuse. It lets us study the behavior of an abused child.
Every child deserves a safe childhood
We believe that every child should have a secure childhood. Child Abuse Awareness month emphasizes greatly on protecting our children from mistreatment of any kind.
The children grow up to become good human beings
Children who have experienced a safe childhood grow up to become happy and well-behaved
Child Abuse Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 1 | Sunday |
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