Child Abuse Prevention Month is important because it shines a spotlight on the critical need to protect children from harm and create environments where they can thrive.

Here are a few key reasons why this observance matters:

• Raising Awareness: Many people may not realize how widespread child abuse is or how to recognize the signs. During the month of April let’s work together to educate the public about the different forms of abuse and neglect.
• Encouraging Prevention: It highlights the importance of proactive measures, such as supporting parents, strengthening families, and creating safe communities, to prevent abuse before it occurs.
• Empowering Communities: Awareness drives action. By engaging individuals, organizations, and policymakers, Child Abuse Prevention Month inspires collective efforts to safeguard children.
• Advocating for Victims: It provides a platform to advocate for children who have experienced abuse, ensuring they receive the care, support, and justice they deserve. Children are the foundation of our future, and protecting their safety and well-being is a responsibility shared by everyone. It’s a time to reflect, act, and make a difference.

Reminder: Submit Annual Audit Reporting Form after completion of the VIRTUS© Catholic Safe Environment Curriculum for youth trained in diocesan schools and religious education programs by April 30th, 2025.
Audit Forms: School Form | Parish Form

Child abuse remains a significant concern in the United States. Here are some key statistics:

• Prevalence: In 2022, approximately 558,899 children were victims of abuse and neglect.
• Forms of Abuse: The most common form of maltreatment is neglect, followed by physical and sexual abuse.
• Fatalities: Tragically, an estimated 1,990 children died due to abuse and neglect in 2022.
• Demographics: Rates of abuse are higher among children in families with low socioeconomic status.
• Impact: Abuse can lead to long-term physical, emotional, and psychological challenges, including mental health issues, substance abuse, and chronic illnesses.

*Sources from the National Children’s Alliance and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Child abuse and neglect includes all types of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., a religious leader, a coach, or a teacher) that results in harm, the potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. It is important to know the common forms of child abuse, know the signs of child abuse and how to report it to the authorities.

There are four (4) common types of abuse and neglect:

• Physical abuse is the intentional use of physical force that can result in physical injury. Examples include hitting, kicking, shaking, or other shows of force against a child.
• Sexual abuse refers to any completed or attempted sexual acts or sexual contact with a child by a caregiver. Examples include fondling, penetration, and exposing a child to other sexual activities. Read more information about child sexual abuse.
• Emotional abuse refers to behaviors that harm a child’s self-worth or emotional well- being. Examples include name-calling, shaming, rejecting, and withholding love.
• Neglect is the failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs. These needs include housing, food, clothing, education, access to medical care, and having feelings validated and appropriately responded to.

For more information about child abuse and neglect definitions please see Child Maltreatment Surveillance: Uniform Definitions for Public Health and Recommended Data Elements.

What are some effective prevention strategies for child abuse?

Preventing child abuse requires a comprehensive approach that involves families, communities, and policymakers. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Strengthen Economic Supports for Families: Policies like child tax credits, subsidized childcare, and paid family leave can reduce financial stress and improve family stability.
2. Promote Positive Parenting: Public education campaigns and parenting programs can teach effective discipline techniques and foster nurturing relationships.
3. Provide Quality Early Childhood Education: Access to high-quality childcare and preschool programs can enhance children’s development and reduce parental stress.
4. Enhance Parenting Skills: Programs that teach parents about child development and effective communication can strengthen family bonds.
5. Community Support: Building strong community networks and providing resources like mentoring programs and support groups can help families thrive.
6. Address Social Norms: Changing societal attitudes about parenting and discipline through education and advocacy can create safer environments for children.

• April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – Download: ENGLISH | SPANISH
• A Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse – Download: BILINGUAL
• Prayer for Healing & Reconciliation – Download: BILINGUAL
• Novena for Protection and Healing from Abuse – Download: ENGLISH | SPANISH
• Warning Signs of Abuse in Minors – Download: ENGLISH | SPANISH
• Five Ways to Protect Your Children from Sexual Abuse – Download: ENGLISH | SPANISH
• Keeping Children & Teens Safe Online – Download: ENGLISH | SPANISH
• Ten Tips for Protecting Children and Offering Outreach to Victims/Survivors – Download: ENGLISH | SPANISH
• USCCB Youth Protection Norms – Download: ENGLISH | SPANISH

NetSmartz is NCMEC’s online safety education program. It provides age-appropriate videos and activities to help teach children how to be safer online with the goal of helping children to become more aware of potential online risks and empowering them to help prevent victimization by making safer choices on- and offline. Available in English and Spanish Language: English Language Website | Spanish Language Website

KidSmartz is NCMEC’s child safety program that educates families about interpersonal safety and empowers kids in grades K-5 to practice safer behaviors. This program offers resources to help parents, caregivers, and teachers protect kids by teaching and practicing the four (4) Rules of Personal Safety using tips, printable activities, quizzes, articles, music, videos, and more. Available in English and Spanish Language: English Language Website | Spanish Language Website