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Help the Hurt Go Away
The Time to Stop Child Abuse is Now. Child abuse is a complex problem with many causes that vary by individual and group. No single prevention program can greatly reduce the incidence of child abuse.
You Can Help If every adult in the United States did just a little, fewer children would suffer pain, injury or death due to abuse. Here are some things YOU can do NOW to help make children and their families safe and secure.
Help Parents you Know. One of the best ways to prevent child abuse and neglect is to reach parents before or as soon as possible after a child is born. Providing programs that help first time parents get off to a good start can help prevent possible problems.
Single or adolescent parents must often deal with parenting responsibilities alone, stress can build and result in harm to the child maybe you know a parent under stress. Why not give him or her a break? Offer to care for the children and let the parent relax. Parents who have the potential to abuse are frequently lonely. They feel that nobody cares. They feel inadequate as parents.
Encourage anyone you think is having problems to attend a parenting program designed to give them vital parenting information and provide emotional support. These programs play an important role in preventing early abuse and can help to strengthen family relations.
Suggest to someone that they attend a parenting class is easier said than done. What if they tell you to mind your own business? It could happen. But what's more important? Risking a negative reaction -- or letting a bad situation get worse for everyone? The parent may be grateful and welcome your concern. Volunteer at the Child Abuse Council
Help
a Child You'll Never Know.
It's
hard to watch the mistreatment of a child by a parent out of
control. But there are positive things you can do to stop the abuse
of a child in a public place.
Strike
up a conversation with the adult to direct attention away from the
child. Say something like: "She
seems to be trying your patience." "My
child has gotten upset like that too." "He
has beautiful (eyes)"- to get the parent in a positive mood. "Children
can wear you out, can't they?" "Is
there anything I can do to help?" Divert
the child's attention (if misbehaving by talking to the child. Praise
the child and parent at the first opportunity. If
the child is in danger, offer assistance.
For example, if a child is left unattended in a grocery cart, stand by the
child until the parent returns.
Avoid negative remarks of looks. These reactions are likely to increase the parent's anger and could make matters worse.
Help
Yourself. You're
not alone if you think you need help. Being a parent isn't easy
for anyone, and for some it's very hard. If you answer
"Yes" to several of the following questions, chances are you
need some support and help.
Do
you feel troubled or nervous? Do
you feel lonely and isolated with no one to turn to? Do
you feel inadequate as a parent? Unable
to cope? Are
you often depressed? Do
your problems seem overwhelming? Are
you frightened about what you might do to your children? Do
you sometimes physically hurt your children? Do you feel that you were mistreated as a child and are now repeating your past? Do you feel confused concerning your sexual feelings toward your children
There are other people who feel as you do, and there are people who can help you copy with your life and family relationships. Take the first step: REACH OUT FOR HELP. Check local resources and see if there is a child abuse hotline, crisis referral line or a crisis nursery where you can drop off your child for a short time until the crisis passes. Also consider contacting your local mental health clinic or family service agency. It's up to you.
Source: Portions taken from Act Now to Prevent Child Abuse by the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse. |
Do It Now The
consequences of child abuse touch you every day. Exercise your power
to make a difference in the lives of millions of children by deciding to
do at least one thing now.
Volunteer Become an Advocate Become better informed write a check. Do something The children are in your hands. They are helpless, you are not..
Child Abuse Can be Prevented.
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