April is child abuse prevention month, make it your month to get involved
Recognize the Warning Signs
The behavior of children may signal abuse long before any physical changes. Some of the signs may include:
- Nervousness around adults.
- Aggression toward adults, children or pets.
- Inability to stay awake or concentrate.
- Sudden, dramatic personality or behavior changes.
- Unusual level of sexual knowledge for age.
- Frequent nightmeres.
- Frequent bruises, burns, or injuries.
- Poor hygiene or inappropriate dress.
Raise the Issue
By educating yourself and others you can help your community prevent child abuse and neglect from happening in the first place.
Copy and post information about child abuse in your workplace, library, place of worship, school, beauty parlor or grocery.
Call or write your elected officials and ask them to advocate for child abuse prevention funding, laws, and resources.
Reach Out
Anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect.
Be a friend to a parent or child you know.
Talk to your neighbors about looking out for one another's children.
Help relieve financial stress by donating or lending used clothing, furniture or toys.
Offer to baby sit or run errands for a family with young children.
Volunteer your time and money for programs in your community that support children and families.
Report Suspected Abuse or Neglect
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, REPORT IT. It's the right thing to do. You do not have to have proof. Your report will be investigated by the Child Protective Services staff at DFACS.
In Georgia, you can report abuse or neglect anonomously. Additionally, if you report abuse or neglect in good faith, you cannot be sued for civil damages.
DFACS staff says that if a child is in immediate danger, call the police, and then call them. If you see a child locked in a car, call the police immediately, or the child could overheat and die.
If you suspect abuse of neglect, but are unsure, calling DFACS will allow them to monitor the family, and put them in touch with any resources which might help improve their parenting. Looking the other way when children's lives are at stake is not a good option.
In Chatham County the 24-hour child abuse reporting line is (912) 651 -2110.
Information provided by the ROCK Group (Raising our Children Kindly), an umbrella organization committed to preventing child abuse. Contact Colette Balder at (912) 897-1713.
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