Child Abuse: A Community Matter

Today I read  an article about Child Abuse, I can't post all of it but will give you the link which I really hope you will take the time to read and watch, here it is...   http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865563397/Child-abuse-A-community-matter.html?pg=1

I will share just a couple of powerful points that they make. I know this isn't the most motivational post but...being a child of incest myself, and now a Survivor! I know that it is everyone's business to watch out for and protect children. If we are aware and listen to our gut feelings, and then have the courage to ACT upon that...then there would be less and less children abused each day. Oh how I wish someone would have done that for me! "Remember Knowledge is Power", so get educated on it such as reading this article and then be ready to act.

"The community can play a huge role in being eyes and ears and protectors of children if they know what to look for and if they're then willing to make the call," Tracey Tabet, the Children's Justice Center Program Director for the state of Utah, told the Deseret News. "It's not enough just to know what to look for, you have to be willing to act."

"Child abuse is happening at epidemic proportions,"  "It is associated with adverse health and mental health outcomes in children and families, with impacts that can last a lifetime. We must position ourselves to prevent it."

Signs

"People need to pull their heads out of the sand, wake up and realize that everybody is impacted by child abuse"

"The first step in stopping abuse and neglect is recognizing early signs. "A closer look at the situation may be warranted when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination."

Sudden changes in behavior or school performance, difficulty concentrating and arriving early to school or other activities or staying late, with a reluctance to go home, can be signs of abuse

Unexplained burns, bites, bruises or broken bones can be indications of physical abuse. Frequent absence from school, insufficient clothing for the weather, abuse of alcohol or other drugs or a lack of needed medical or dental care, immunizations or glasses can be signs of neglect. Difficulty walking or sitting, a refusal to change for gym or participate in physical activities or a demonstration of bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior can be signs of sexual abuse.

Responding

The first line of defense is to contact your local child protective services agency or police department, Hmurovich told the Deseret News. "It can be difficult to make that call for fear of getting a relative in trouble, but the interest of the child should always take precedence."

These reports can be anonymous but require specific information, such as the who, what happened and when.

Hmurovich suggests notifying another responsible adult, such as a minister, a school teacher, a close relative, even a next door neighbor.

Community awareness

"We cannot put the responsibility on children to protect themselves, for that's not their burden to bear"

"The community can play a huge role in being the eyes and ears and protectors of children if they know what to look for and if they're willing to make the call,"