By Mary Vail Ware, Director of Social and Health Equity and Community Safety
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM). There are four common types of abuse and neglect: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Impacting children of every background, at least one in seven children experiences child abuse or neglect annually in the United States. In 76% of cases, children are victimized by a parent or legal guardian.
Prevention benefits children, families, and communities. The trauma of child abuse can result in short- and long-term impacts on an individual’s physical and mental health. In 2015, the lifetime cost per victim of non-fatal child maltreatment was estimated at $831,000.
According to Prevent Child Abuse America: “NCAPM shines a national spotlight on the importance of centering families and building communities where children can grow up safe, healthy, and supported.”
The Endowment works with partners like Carousel Child Advocacy Center, Open House Youth Shelter, Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern North Carolina, the YWCA, Family Promise, El Cuerpo, and Nourish NC because prevention happens when families have access to resources and support to remain resilient in the face of everyday challenges.
How can you help?
Report: If you suspect a child of being abused or neglected, please contact your local department of social services. If it is an emergency, please call 911. Let the experts investigate.
Volunteer: Local organizations that reduce family stress help to prevent child abuse. Even one hour a week can help!
Donate: Participate in the National Day of Giving for child abuse prevention organizations. Every gift matters!
Learn: Learn more about this issue, so you can make an impact!
Sources:
1. Finkelhor D, Turner HA, Shattuck A, Hamby SL. Prevalence of Childhood Exposure to Violence, Crime, and Abuse: Results from the National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence. JAMA Pediatr. 2015;169(8):746–754. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.0676
2. Peterson C, Florence C, Klevens J. The economic burden of child maltreatment in the United States, 2015. Child Abuse Negl. 2018 Dec;86:178-183. doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.09.018. Epub 2018 Oct 8. PMID: 30308348; PMCID: PMC6289633.