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a child's hand on the concrete. child abuse prevention resources

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—Child abuse and neglect continue to be major problems facing this nation’s youth. In fact, five children die from abuse every day in the United States. Advocates in the Alabama Cooperative Extension System are highlighting the need for action and awareness to ensure Alabama’s children grow up in a safe environment.

“Raising awareness can help protect children from being emotionally, physically or sexually harmed,” said Katrina Akande, a human development and family studies Extension specialist. “We want to equip individuals to advocate for children no matter where they are.”

Alabama Extension Director Mike Phillips said the work Extension professionals are doing to educate community members on child protection is invaluable.

“Our 21st president Herbert Hoover said it best, ‘Children are our most valuable resource,’” Phillips said. “They are our next generation and it is so vitally important to mold them into the professionals needed to advance the world into a safer haven to live and work.”

Understanding Child Abuse

Child abuse encompasses many different types of behavior toward a child. Children may be physically or emotionally harmed, injured or killed by a parent, caregiver or other adult. Understanding the signs of child abuse is vitally important to protecting children from harm—whether at school, at home or in the community.

Akande, who is also an assistant professor in the Auburn University College of Human Sciences, said her goal was to develop a toolkit for parents, teachers and caregivers, as well as Extension employees.

“We believe that by providing a toolkit for adults in communities, we can help educate adults and advocate for the safety of our children,” Akande said. “Many children are at greater risk for being abused without an adult being aware of the situation over the summer or during the holidays. It is important to make yourself aware of the signs of abuse in order to protect young people all over Alabama.”

Laura Downey, Alabama Extension’s assistant director for human sciences programming, said everyone has a role to play in ensuring Alabama children live in supportive, nurturing and stable homes and communities.

“The social media campaign by the human sciences team is meant to raise awareness about the importance of child abuse prevention and increase knowledge of prevention strategies,” Downey said. “Although April is the official observance month for child abuse prevention, the information and strategies provided through the campaign will continue to be useful and the work of protecting Alabama’s children is ongoing.”

Signs of Child Abuse

While the topic is a difficult one to process, Akande said there are some distinct signs of child abuse. Abused children may have the following:

  • Unexplained bruises, broken bones or injuries
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Poor school attendance
  • Decrease in school performance
  • Feelings of sadness
  • Poor hygiene (dirty hair, fingernails or clothes)

Children in abusive situations may also steal food or not have access to dental and medical care. Akande said parental behaviors can also be red flags.

“Warning signs include inability to recognize the child’s distress, belittling or blaming the child, using harsh physical discipline and offering unusual explanations of injuries,” Akande said.

Phillips echoes the words of Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa.

“Safety and security don’t just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear,” Mandela said.

More Information

Akande and a team of researchers developed materials to raise awareness for child abuse through funding from the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama. Check out some of these Extension publications: Risk Factors for Child Abuse, Shaken Baby Syndrome or Healthy Discipline.

Additional resources on child abuse prevention and recognizing the signs of child abuse are available by visiting www.aces.edu.