Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is international Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

During our very special month the CAP Center engages in many activities to highlight awareness including being recognized by Sacramento County’s Board of Supervisors and California’s Legislators.

Throughout the United States a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.

For example, in 2010 Sacramento County Child Protective Services received 4,300 calls in any given month and handled more than 16,000 allegations of child abuse and neglect. Over the last 20 years (1990 – 2009) in Sacramento County the majority of child abuse and neglect homicide deaths occurred in children 4 years of age and younger. There were 158 Child Abuse and Neglect homicide deaths from 1990 through 2009 in Sacramento County alone.

Nationally almost 5 children die every day as a result of child abuse in the home. More than three out of four are under the age of four years old.

National research suggests that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are subjected to some form of sexual abuse by the 18 years of age.

More than 30% of sexually abused child victims never disclose the experience to others.
90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way.

Abuse is seldom a one-time incident. Once a child is abused, incidents are often repeated over periods of months and years, especially if the offender is known to the child or other family members.

81% of victims were abused or maltreated by a biological parent. 57% of children will be victims of some form of physical abuse during their lifetime.

Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education.

Many times, physical abuse is a result of excessive discipline or physical punishment that is inappropriate for the child’s age, often when a parent loses control. Child abuse and neglect is 100% preventable; we all share in the responsibility to help keep kids safe.

Here are 5 steps you can take:

  • If you work with children in any capacity obtain Mandated Child Abuse Reporting training to learn about the risk factors and warning signs of child abuse (check with the Child Abuse Prevention Council in your area for training opportunities).
  • Report child abuse & neglect when you become aware of it or suspect it.
  • Get involved! Volunteer your time at community agencies that promote positive supportive services for families (libraries, community resource centers, non-profit agencies that work with families and children).
  • Conduct outreach activities in the community to raise awareness about support agencies for families.
  • Ensure families are equipped with the resources, support and tools necessary to be successful parents and caregivers within their community.

Please help us prevent child abuse. A donation can fund programs that directly impact the lives of children and perhaps save a precious life. Speak up for the life of a child.
 

Downloads:  

30 Ways to Promote Child Well Being.pdf

TemperTantrums.pdf

Positive Parental Discipline.pdf