Child Abuse Prevention: everyone's responsibility

April has been declared Child Abuse Prevention Month, an opportunity for local communities to take a stand against the abuse of children. Statistics show that 90% of children are abused by someone they know and trust, for this reason alone, we all must realize that child abuse prevention is everyone's responsibility.

Child abuse affects our sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friend's children. Children who are victims of abuse come from rich and poor families, from all ethnic backgrounds and from families of all types of education level. Child abuse seeps into our schools and daycare centers, causing absenteeism and physical and mental illnesses. Child abuse enters into our communities, impacting law enforcement, court systems and healthcare systems. Child abuse ripples through families causing the cycle of abuse to continue from one generation to the next.

But CHILD ABUSE IS PREVENTABLE. Child abuse is a cycle that can be broken. YOU are part of our community and YOU can be part of the solution. As an individual in the community, preventing child abuse starts with small changes:

Families: Create an atmosphere is your home that does not tolerate abusive language or behavior. Begin family traditions that affirm the importance of a healthy family relationship.

Parents: Each year, up to 10 million children experience abuse. Exposure to violence in the home is a significant predictor of a child's violent behavior. Children exposed to violence are more likely to exhibit behavioral and physical health problems including depression, anxiety and violence among peers. Stopping abuse starts with preventing abuse. Commit to talking to your kids about child abuse and dating violence in teens.

Friends: One in four girls will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18. Between 30 and 50% of dating relationships exhibit the same kinds of escalating violence as marital relationships. If you think your friend is in an abusive relationship, talk to an adult you trust.

Coaches: Boys look up to athletic heroes and coaches that inspire them. Abuse on or off the field is never okay. Teach the children you work with to appreciate the sport in a nonviolent manner.

Educators: Educators often spend more hours per day with their students than anyone else in a child's life. Educators are often the first person a child will disclose to about abuse. Be aware of any changes in a student's behavior and any unexplainable injuries or bruises. Let your students know that you care about them and are available to talk.

The mission of the Enotah Child Advocacy & Family Support Center is to provide a child-focused community response to child abuse. The center is a program operating under the umbrella of Support in Abusive Family Emergencies, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving the communities of Towns and Union Counties. If you would like more information on how YOU can be part of preventing child abuse, please call (706) 835- 1637.

S.A.F.E. is the state certified domestic violence and sexual assault program serving Towns and Union Counties, and is a certified member of the Children's Advocacy Centers of Georgia. Partial funding is received from the Georgia Department of Human Resources.