It’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month

During the pandemic, rates of child abuse and exploitation have risen dramatically.  Often this is found to be a common first step amongst those children who eventually become sex trafficking victims.

Hoping to escape the abuse received as a child, they easily fall victim to sweet-talking traffickers who promise a better future, a better job, or love…and the cycle starts again.

If you think you know of someone being abused, here are some resources:

In Ohio, you can call Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services to report child abuse or neglect at 855-O-H-CHILD   (855-642-4453). Reports can be anonymous and an automated directory will link callers to a child welfare or law enforcement office in the appropriate county. Read more here.

What information is helpful when making a report?  

1. The name and address of the child you suspect is being abused or neglected;
2. The age of the child;
3. The name and address of the parents or caretakers;
4. The name of the person you suspect is abusing or neglecting the child and the address if available;
5. The reason you suspect the child is being abused and neglected;
6. Any other information which may be helpful to the investigation; and
7. You have the option of giving your name or reporting anonymously. Giving your name can help the investigator clarify information. The agency will not give your name to the person suspected of abusing the child.

Learning what to do to recognize as well as prevent child abuse is always a great place to start.  Here are age-appropriate videos and discussion starters for kindergartners through teens.

On the west coast, ForTheChild knows that the ability to live a productive life – to love, laugh, and achieve great things – begins in childhood.  Abuse, neglect, family dysfunction, and childhood trauma can derail a child’s potential.

They offer a list of additional resources on their website:

Child Abuse Prevention Resources

Prevent Child Abuse America

http://www.preventchildabuse.org

Child Abuse – The Five Protective Factors

http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childmaltreatment/riskprotectivefactors.html

http://ctf4kids.org/about-prevention/strengthening-families

http://www.practicenotes.org/v18n2/SFF.htm

Center for Missing and Exploited Children

http://www.missingkids.org/home

National Center for Child Traumatic Stress (Child Traumatic Stress Network)

http://www.nctsn.org

Child Abuse Prevention

https://www.childwelfare.gov

Parenting Tips

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting

http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/guide-parents.html

Parenting Children with Special Needs

http://www.pcwsn.com

http://parentingspecialneeds.org

Fussy Baby

http://www.newkidscenter.com/Fussy-Newborn.html

https://www.healthychildren.org

http://www.parents.com/baby/care/newborn/ways-to-soothe-fussy-newborn

Zero To Three  (Early Childhood Development)

http://www.zerotothree.org

13 More articles you might find valuable:

Has your child’s school taken the first step?

10 Ways you can help end trafficking

Can you believe human zoos existed in this country?

What to tell your child before it’s too late

The worst thing your child won’t tell you

Make a friend – save a trafficking victim

Learning the facts about sexual violence – these stats are incredible

St. Josephine Bakhita – patron saint of recovering trafficking victims

Learn the dangerous language of human traffickers before your child does

Look beneath the surface – would you recognize someone being trafficked?

Three ways to protect kids online

WTH are these preteens thinking?

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Stock Image by Ulrike Mai from Pixabay