April is Child Abuse Prevention month

To the Editor: While driving through town and along Spring St., county residents may have noticed the blue ribbons adorning the lampposts. The Sussex County Freeholders issued a proclamation acknowledging April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Sussex County, and the blue ribbon is a symbol of Child Abuse Awareness. In 2004, 872,000 children in the United States, including approximately 8,000 in New Jersey, were determined to be victims of abuse and neglect. An estimated 1,460 children died nationally in as a result of abuse and neglect. In 2006. 23 children died in New Jersey as a result of child abuse and neglect. Child abuse and neglect often take place in the home and come from a person the child knows well. The physical and emotional abuse of children yields harmful consequences for society: a growing body of evidence links child abuse and neglect with drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, youth violence, and chronic mental health problems. It is therefore critical to focus on preventing child abuse and neglect before it starts. That’s what April’s observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month is all about. The following are tips for helping to prevent child abuse and neglect: 1. Be a nurturing parent. Children need to know that they are special and loved. Educate yourself about a child’s development process so you can have reasonable expectations about what your child can and cannot do. 2. Monitor your child’s television and computer use. Watching violent films on TV or playing violent computer games can harm young children. Not only does it scare them, it also teaches children that aggression is okay. 3. Educate your children on body safety. Children as young as preschool should begin to be educated on body safety. Children should understand that their body is their very own, and if someone tries to touch them in their private areas, or wants them to touch someone else’s body, they should try to say no and tell someone right away. We have to be careful not to place too much responsibility on children to “say no.” Although it is an important message, most children freeze and are unable to get away from an abusive setting. Emphasize the “telling” part, and assure them they will not be in trouble! 4. Educate your child on internet safety. Become familiar with the computer, instant messaging and social network Web sites, which can place children and teenagers in vulnerable situations. Visit www.netsmartz.org for information and interactive activities for children of all ages regarding internet safety. 5. Finally, report suspected abuse or neglect. Keeping children safe is the responsibility of every adult in our community. If you have reason to believe a child has been - or may be - harmed, call 1-877-NJ ABUSE. Remember, it is the law in New Jersey! April’s observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month is an appropriate opportunity to remind ourselves of the collective responsibility to prevent the abuse and neglect that robs so many of our society’s children of their childhood, their sense of well-being, and their future. Together, we can really make a difference in the life of a child. For more information, visit www.ginnieshouse.org or www.preventchildabusenj.org. Rachel T. Wallace, L.C.S.W. Executive Director Ginnie’s House