April is a month of awareness and prevention over two particularly important topics: sexual assault and child abuse. This article will focus on the topic of child abuse and how awareness is raised during April each year. For information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month, check the article titled “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward.”
Each year, communities come together to share about child abuse prevention and resources for those affected. National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM) was formally established in 1983, after decades of advocates working together to protect the most vulnerable in our community by creating and changing laws.
The movement against child abuse began in 1874 with the case of Mary Ellen Wilson, whose rescue led advocates to focus on child safety. Help from animal welfare leader Henry Bergh led to Wilson’s rescue, legal action and the start of the first child protection society.
In 1962, a paper was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, titled ‘The Battered Child Syndrome”, which raised awareness, leading to mandatory child abuse reporting laws nationwide within a decade. The Child Abuse Protection and Treatment Act (CAPTA) of 1974 provided federal support for states. By the 1980s, April became National Child Abuse Prevention Month, advancing prevention efforts.
Today, there exist multiple organizations focused on child safety, such as Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA) and Save the Children US. These groups promote programs and resources that “enable kids, families, and entire communities to thrive—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come” (PCAA).
To get involved, visit the websites of child abuse prevention organizations to access resources and educate yourself on the signs and prevention of child abuse. You can also support by donating to these organizations and wearing pinwheels and blue during April to advocate for healthy childhood development. Your participation, whether learning, donating or raising awareness, contributes to protecting vulnerable children.
If you know or suspect a child is being abused, contact the Childhelp National Abuse Hotline by calling 800-422-4453 or texting “BEGIN.” See other resources for reporting child abuse and common questions at the Department of Children and Family Services website.
