Photo by Maria Lysenko from Unsplash
This month marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month and this is an epidemic that has impacted many youths around the world. During this month, families and communities strive to work together in strengthening families to prevent child abuse and neglect. More than ever, children are at risk of different types of abuse. It’s our job as adults to protect them from this vicious cycle.
What Effect Could Abuse Have on Children?
Any form of abuse and neglect could have a serious psychological effect on a child. If a child has been physically or verbally abused by an adult, this could leave a lasting negative scar on them. Research shows that children who suffer from the long stress of abuse and neglect tend to struggle in their behavioral and cognitive abilities. The effect of abuse and neglect could also impact them physically. Children who have experienced abuse at a young age grow up to develop trust issues with people and post-traumatic stress. They’re even likely to pass on the abuse to their children.
How Educators Can Help Break the Child Abuse Epidemic
One of the biggest groups of people who can help in breaking the cycle of child abuse is our teachers. Children should be able to trust their teachers for support. Teachers should also be able to identify children who need help and start the process of restoring their safety.
That’s why they need to be prepared in dealing with the complex issues affecting abused children. Then they need to understand the different types of abuse and possible interventions involved. In addition, they must do everything in their power to assure the abused student that their classroom is a safe environment. Their attitude toward the student plays an important role in accomplishing this. Teachers must comfort their students and let them know that what happened to them is not their fault.
How Other Leaders and Organizations Could Help
Besides educators, there are so many things other people in the community could do to help. When you know about a child getting abused, you should lend that child the much-needed support they deserve. The following people are vital in giving abused children support as well as preventing this vicious cycle:
- Business leaders: They can grow their economy by helping to support families and children. They could consider creating more outreach programs for troubled families.
- Policymakers: Help in reducing the challenges families experience when finding resources.
- Faith communities: Religious-oriented communities such as churches could help in developing positive after-school programs for youths.
- Organizations: Local community organizations could help in training their staff on how to recognize, respond to, and prevent child abuse.
- Friends and neighbors: Any fellow neighbors of families dealing with abuse could encourage them to seek help by contacting the Helpline number 1-800-CHILDREN (244-5373).
By working together to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect through primary prevention methods and providing trauma-informed care for abused children, communities will do well in limiting its long-term consequences.
Communities Continue to Give Neglected Children Support
Abuse prevention is possible if many local communities work together to provide appropriate care for children and their families. There are plenty of services and support systems that promote protective factors for children. They also provide families and communities with the necessary tools to stop abuse before it starts.
Any type of abuse could leave a lasting psychological scar on a young person. If you suspect a child you know has been abused, you should report this to the appropriate authorities. We at Step Up for Mental Health have plenty of resources for troubled families dealing with abuse. Children must be protected because they are an important part of our future.
