Preventing Child Abuse
Parenting is one of the toughest and most important jobs in America, and we all have a stake in ensuring that parents have access to the resources and support they need to be successful. Entire communities play a role in helping families find the strength they need to raise safe, healthy, and productive children.
Ten Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse
- Be a nurturing parent. Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams.
- Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand take care of the children, so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.
- Help yourself. When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control – take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.
- If your baby cries…It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying. Never shake a baby – shaking a child may result in severe injury or death.
- Get involved. Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.
- Help to develop parenting resources at your local library.
- Promote programs in school. Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.
- Monitor your child’s television and video viewing. Watching violent films and TV programs can harm young children.
- Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program. For information about volunteer opportunities, call 989-254-2426 in Iosco County or 1.800.CHILDREN.
- Report suspected abuse or neglect. If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call your local department of children and family services or you local police department.
Protective Factors
Research has shown that the following protective factors are linked to a lower incidence of child abuse and neglect:
- Parental Resilience - The ability to cope with the stresses of everyday life, as well as life’s crises.
- Social Connections - Supportive friends, family, and neighbors.
- Knowledge of Parenting and of Child and Youth Development – Accurate information about raising young children, appropriate expectations for their behavior, and knowledge of different discipline techniques.
- Concrete Supports for Parents - Financial security to cover expenses.
- Children’s Social and Emotional Competence - A child’s ability to interact positively with others and communicate his or her emotions effectively.
Please Pledge to practice the 5 R’s of Keeping Children Safe
- RAISE the issue
- REACH OUT to kids and parents in your community
- REMEMBER the risk factors
- RECOGNIZE the warning signs
- REPORT suspected child abuse