April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month Published March 26, 2013 By Karen Bartholomeo Family Advocacy Outreach Manager GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- "Children are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect," the Childhelp.com reports. Every year 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving nearly 6 million children. The United States has the worst record in the industrialized nation - losing five children every day due to abuse-related deaths". To help combat these staggering statistics, every year in April, the President of the United States issues a proclamation to announce National Child Abuse Prevention Month. On March 27, Col. Damiano, 17th Training Wing Commander, will sign a proclamation to encourage public awareness of child abuse and neglect, and to promote community involvement throughout Goodfellow. The proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," is rather fitting to the prevention of child abuse. The prevention of child abuse is a community effort and takes coordination from all of Goodfellow. The Family Advocacy Office is asking for assistance in identifying and reporting possible child abuse or negligent behaviors. Child abuse affects children of every age, race and income level. Child maltreatment often takes place in the home and many times is committed by a person the child knows and trusts including a parent, relative, babysitter or family friend. Often, people who mistreat children are ordinary people caught in stressful situations. Child abuse is more than causing bruises or broken bones. While physical abuse is shocking due to the scars it leaves, not all child abuse is as obvious. Ignoring children's needs, putting them in unsupervised, dangerous situations or making a child feel worthless or stupid are also examples of child abuse. Regardless of the type of child abuse whether physical, sexual, emotional or neglect, the core element that ties them together is the emotional effect on the child. Emotional scarring has long lasting effects throughout life, damaging a child's sense of self, ability to have healthy relationships and ability to function at home, at work and at school. According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, some effects of the emotional scaring include: Lack of trust and relationship difficulties If you can't trust your parents, who can you trust? Abuse by a primary caregiver damages the most fundamental relationship as a child--that he will safely, reliably get his physical and emotional needs met by the person who is responsible for his care. Without this foundation, it is very difficult to learn trust or know who is trustworthy. This can lead to difficulty maintaining relationships due to fear of being controlled or abused. It can also lead to unhealthy relationships because the adult doesn't know what a good relationship is. Core feelings of being worthless or damaged If a child has been told over and over again that he stupid or no good, it is very difficult to overcome these core feelings. The child may experience them as reality. Adults may not strive for more education, or may settle for a job that may not pay enough because they don't believe they can do it or are worth more. Sexual abuse survivors, with the stigma and shame surrounding the abuse, often especially struggle with a feeling of being damaged. Trouble regulating emotions Abused children often cannot express emotions safely. As a result, the emotions get stuffed down, coming out in unexpected ways. Adult survivors of child abuse can struggle with unexplained anxiety, depression or anger. They may turn to alcohol or drugs to numb out the painful feelings. Children need predictability, structure, clear boundaries and the knowledge that their parents are looking out for their safety. Abused children cannot predict how their parents will act. Their world is an unpredictable, frightening place with no rules. Whether the abuse is a slap, a harsh comment, stony silence or not knowing if there will be dinner on the table tonight, can result in a child feeling unsafe, uncared for and alone. According to Air Force Instruction 40-301, "All Active Duty members and DoD civilian employees must report all incidents of suspected family maltreatment." Anyone can report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reporting abuse or neglect can protect a child and get help for a family -- it may even save a child's life. To make a report or ask questions about child abuse, contact Family Advocacy at 325-654-3122.
