Child Abuse Awareness Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families.

The Blue Ribbon Campaign had its early beginnings in 1989 as a Virginia grandmother's tribute to her grandson who died as a result of abuse. She tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her car as a way to remember him and to alert her community to this tragedy.

Child abuse affects children of every age, race, and income level. Too often our children are hurt by the people they know and trust- a parent, relative, babysitter or friend of the family. Many times the abusers are ordinary people caught in stressful situations.

So what can you? Get involved and Get Informed!

The best way to prevent child abuse is to help families develop appropriate parenting, communication and coping skills, and to learn the signs.

When parents have the necessary knowledge about the prevention of Child Abuse, they are better equipped to protect their children from harm. Education, Awareness, and Correct Action helps to ensure healthy development of our children.

NOW is a good time for us to look at this crisis. The statistics are shocking: A child is abused every 40 seconds! Blue ribbons are now worn by many in the month of April in memory of the children who have died as a result of abuse and to commemorate those who have diligently worked in the endeavor to prevent child abuse and neglect.