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Abuse and neglect rob children of their childhood, their sense of security and well-being, and their future. Preventing child abuse and neglect is a collective responsibility. As an individual and as a member of our community, you have an obligation to help prevent child abuse and neglect. Following are some suggested ways that you can help to redefine how we confront the issue of child maltreatment:
Understand the problem. Child abuse and neglect affect children of all ages, races, and incomes. Nationally, 3 children die each day as a result of maltreatment. More than 3 million children are reported abused or neglected. Most experts believe that actual incidents of abuse and neglect are more numerous than statistics indicate.
In 2000, 783 cases of child abuse were reported in Lehigh County, or 10.7/1000 children; 150, or 19.2 percent, of these cases were substantiated. Over half of all abused children in the county were younger than 10 years of age. In 2000, Lehigh County suffered 2 child fatalities due to abuse. Of the 150 substantiated cases of abuse in 2000, 14 children, or 9.3 percent, were victims of reabuse. Of the 783 investigations conducted in 2000, 320, or 40.9 percent, were referred to law enforcement officials for possible criminal investigations; 195 were for suspected sexual abuse.
Understand the causes. Most parents don't hurt or neglect their children intentionally. Many were themselves abused or neglected. Very young or inexperienced parents might not know how to take care of their babies or what they can reasonably expect from children at different stages of development. Circumstances that place families under extraordinary stress-for instance, poverty, divorce, sickness, disability-sometimes take their toll in child maltreatment. Parents who abuse alcohol or other drugs are more likely to abuse or neglect their children.
Support programs that support families. Parent education, community centers, respite care services, and substance abuse treatment programs help to protect children by addressing circumstances that place families at risk for child abuse and neglect. Donate your time or money, if you can.
Report suspected abuse and neglect. Whether or not you are mandated by law to report child abuse and neglect, doing so may save a child-and a family. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the police or the ChildLine and Abuse Registry, toll free, within Pennsylvania 1-800-932-0313.
Strengthen the fabric of your community. Know your neighbors' names and the names of their children, and make sure they know yours. Volunteer. If you like interacting with children, great, but you do not have to volunteer directly with kids to contribute to prevention. All activities that strengthen communities, such as service to civic clubs and participation on boards and committees, ultimately contribute to the well-being of children.
Prevention begins at home. If you are a parent, take time to re-evaluate your parenting skills. Be honest with yourself-are you yelling at your children a lot or hitting them? Do you enjoy being a parent at least most of the time? If you could benefit from some help with parenting, seek it-getting help when you need it is an essential part of being a good parent. Talk to a professional that you trust; take a parenting class; read a book about child development.
For more information about child abuse prevention initiatives in Lehigh County, call Cinda Jensen at Project Child at 610-419-4500, ext.229.
** Adapted from Prevent Child Abuse America and the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN)
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