By Rya’Lynn Simons:
The entire month of April is National Child Abuse prevention month. This is a time where one is
made aware of the dangers of child abuse in the United States, as well as the resources available
to a victim, survivor, or a witness.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services define child abuse as ”an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm” or, “any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation [for an individual under 18].”
There are many forms of abuse that can be identified: physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. In
the United States more than 550,000 children are reported to have experienced abuse in a year, which is roughly eight children in every one thousand. In Oklahoma alone, the average is 54.5
children in every one thousand. All these cases happen before the victim’s 18th birthday, and, unfortunately, there are many more cases that have yet to be reported.
77% of the cases are caused by a form of caregiver, someone who the child loved or trusted. The CDC reported that in 2021 there were 1,820 children fatalities due to the result of abuse. In 2022, Oklahoma ranked #6 in the states with the highest rates of child abuse.
The obvious impact of child abuse can be immediate physical injuries, but the longterm effect is harder to measure. Some long-term effects of abuse include substance abuse, increased propensity for violent situations, mental health conditions, and more. For this reason, i is important to seek help when it comes to dealing with trauma such a child abuse. I
n Oklahoma, there is The CARE Center, a nonprofit organization founded in 1991, located in Oklahoma county. Their goal is to prevent and end child abuse in the county. Their mission is to try to limit child abuse as much as possible. They provide the education about child abuse and how to prevent it and also provide counseling and many other resources for active victims and survivors. They also provide medical exams and forensic interviews, while also creating a safe and supportive environment.
In 2022, they served 7,000 children in Oklahoma and include many ways the community can help serve as well with volunteer opportunities, donations, and many events. Learn more about their mission and your involvement at carecenter-okc.org or call at (405) 236-2100.
This topic shouldn’t be limited to one month of awareness, but every day of the year. Community members should also remain aware and notice potential signs as not all are physical. Obvious signs might include recurrent injuries around the eyes, head, or body that are typically displayed on the side. Many times, these injuries cannot be explained adequately, or the individual expresses hesitance or fear to return home. At school, recurrent absences or tardiness, lack of personal care such
as hygiene, and/or signs of food insecurity might indicate a challenging home life. Emotionally, individuals might express destructive or aggressive behavior, as well as passivity or withdrawn or emotionless behavior.
Alert caregivers and community members should also be aware of some signs of sexual abuse such as sexually transmitted disease, pain while walking or sitting, expressing age inappropriate knowledge of sexual relation, and more.
There are many signs that can manifest outside of the ones provided. Make sure you stay aware
and be a part of the prevention. These children need you.
