Elmore Autauga News
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month represents an opportunity to stand together in the fight against child abuse and neglect.
Around 550,000-600,000 Children are abused each year, according to official sources.
Child Abuse Prevention Month was started in 1983.
This month, blue pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention and are being planted all across the country, including Autauga and Elmore counties. These pinwheels represent the bright futures that all children deserve, free from fear and filled with possibility.
In Autauga County the Family Support Center in Prattville plays an important role in the fight to prevent child abuse. This local nonprofit organization works hard to strengthen families, support parents, and provide resources that help create healthy, stable homes for children.
Located in the heart of Downtown Prattville, the Family Support Center offers services such as:
● Parenting classes
● Domestic violence prevention programs
● Anger management and conflict resolution
● Supervised visitation
● Case management and referrals for basic needs
Merrill Carroll is the Executive Director for the Family Support Center.
She said, ““If not me, then who? Protecting children is not something we can just assume others are going to do. Child Abuse Prevention Month is about educating and empowering everyone to stand up to child abuse, for everyone to learn the signs and for everyone to learn what they can do to protect children. In Child Abuse Prevention Month and every month we want people to say ‘If not me, the who?’”
Through services provided by FSC families receive tools to help break cycles of abuse and neglect while offering support.
FSC and other organizations like Butterfly Bridge and CASA all play a vital role in protecting our children and offering preventative care.
According to CDC.GOV Children who are abused or neglected may suffer immediate physical injuries such as cuts, bruises, or broken bones. They may also have emotional and psychological problems, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress.
Over the long term, children who are abused or neglected are also at increased risk for experiencing future violence victimization and perpetration, substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections, delayed brain development, lower educational attainment, and limited employment opportunities.
The Mayo clinic released an article on Child abuse and highlighted some ways to recognize abuse:
A child who’s being abused may feel guilty, ashamed or confused. The child may be afraid to tell anyone about the abuse, especially if the abuser is a parent, other relative or family friend. That’s why it’s vital to watch for red flags, such as:
● Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
● Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity — or changes in school performance
● Depression, anxiety or unusual fears, or a sudden loss of self-confidence
● Sleep problems and nightmares
● An apparent lack of supervision
● Frequent absences from school
● Rebellious or defiant behavior
● Self-harm or attempts at suicide
If you suspect a child is being abused, please report it to your local child protective services or the police. It can be life changing for them.
Together we can be the hope for a brighter future.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the Child Help National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
