The best protection for our children is adults who are familiar with signs of abuse and who are committed to acting on their behalf. Teachers, police officers, social workers and many others are required to report suspected child abuse, but all of us have an obligation to speak up if we are concerned for the safety of a child.
Here are five things you can do to help...
1. Educate yourself
Familiarize yourself with the impacts of childhood trauma and understand what factors are most important to healthy child development.
https://ounce.org/healthy_child.html
https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/about-child-trauma
2. Recognize signs
Learn to identify the signs of child abuse or neglect.
https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/about-child-trauma
3. Encourage Internet safety
Protect children from online risks.
https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/resources#presentations
4. Get support
Know where to help families in your area turn for support.
5. Report
If you suspect a child is experiencing abuse in any setting, for immediate help call 9-1-1 to alert local law enforcement. To contact the National Child Abuse Hotline, call 1-800-422-4453. In Florida, call 1-800-962-2873.
And here's one more...
Donate
Provide time or financial contributions to programs that positively impact the lives of children and families in your community.