Prevent Child Abuse
Five Things YOU Can Do Right Now
1. Reach Out
• Be a friend to a parent or child
• Be supportive, help children in your community
2. Raise the Issue
• Post information or a poster at your workplace
• Wear a blue ribbon in April
3. Remember the Risk Factors
• Parents with mental health issues
• Parents who abuse alcohol and drugs
4. Recognize the Warning Signs
• Frequent or unexplainable bruises
• Low self-esteem, poor hygiene, nervousness around other adults
5. Report Suspected Abuse or Neglect
• If you believe that a child is being abused, abandoned, exploited or neglected, contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at: 1-800-96-ABUSE
How to Stop Child Abuse in a Public Place
It can be uncomfortable to watch a child mistreated by an adult who’s out of control. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help.
Start
• Start a conversation with the adult to direct attention away from the child. Say something such as:
◦“Children can wear you out, can’t they? Is there anything I can do to help?”
◦“She seems to be trying your patience.”
◦“My child has gotten upset like that too.”
◦“He has beautiful (eyes).”
This can encourage a more positive mood for the parent.
Divert
• Talk to the child to divert the child’s attention if misbehaving.
Look
• Look for the first opportunity to praise the parent and child.
Offer
• Offer assistance if the child is in danger. For example, if the child is left unattended in a grocery cart, stand by the child until the parent returns.
Avoid
• Avoid negative remarks or looks. These reactions are likely to increase the parent’s anger and make matters worse.
Provided by the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse
More Information...
- About Child Abuse
Learn About Child Abuse in Our Area - Prevent Child Abuse
Help Prevent Child Abuse - Our Staff
- Board of Directors
- Child Abuse Statistics
