What is child abuse prevention?
The goal of a child abuse program is simple - to stop child abuse and neglect from happening in the first place, sparing children and family members emotional and physical trauma. The best way to prevent child abuse and neglect is to support families and prepare parents with the skills and resources they need to nurture their children.
What is child abuse?
There are four major types of child maltreatment: neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Although any of the forms may be found separately they often occur together.
Neglect is the failure by a parent or caretaker to provide for a child's basic needs.
Physical Abuse is physical injury by a parent or caretaker (ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or death) as a result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting, burning, and otherwise harming a child.
Sexual Abuse includes actions by a parent or caretaker such as fondling a child's genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and commercial exploitation of a child through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.
Emotional Abuse is any pattern of behavior by a parent or a caretaker that impairs a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance.
Prevention efforts build on family strengths. Through prevention activities 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. Prevention efforts help parents develop their parenting skills, understand the benefits of nonviolent discipline techniques, understand and meet their child's emotional, physical, and developmental needs.
One of the most important things you can do to prevent child abuse is to build a positive relationship with your children. Encourage your children. Praise their achievements and talents. Spend time doing things together that you enjoy.
| Teach | your child about the privacy of body parts. |
|---|---|
| Listen | when your child tries to tell you something, especially when it seems hard for them to talk about it. |
| Give | your child enough of your time and attention. |
| Know | who your child is spending time with. |
| Check | to see if your child's school has an abuse prevention program for the teacher and children. If it doesn't, get one started. |
| Talk | to your child about sexual abuse. |
| Tell | someone in authority if you suspect that your child or someone else's child is being abused. |
