April is the annual observance month to raise awareness of childhood abuse around the country, and also, “a promise to prevent it.” Whether we’re donating our time as an advocate or sharing ideas with those around us, we can all play pivotal roles in doing something that enhances the lives of children everywhere.
Healthy childhood development means a successful and engaged community. It means children who don’t have to be familiar with the devastating aspects of life like abuse and neglect — the things that potentially prevent them from developing into happy adults, worthy of thriving.
At Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, we have decided to limit our various prevention events in Hawaii due to the coronavirus — but we feel the need to reach out to parents who need our support at this difficult time. We would like to share the following 10 very simple steps focused on preventing child abuse.
Anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect. By educating yourself — and others — you can help your community prevent child abuse and neglect from happening in the first place. The behavior of children may signal abuse or neglect long before any change in physical appearance. If you suspect abuse or neglect may be occurring, report it.
A few of the thought-provoking tips below might not apply right now — for instance, due to suspension of schools and libraries — but do remain relevant when things return to normal:
>> Be a nurturing parent. Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams. Learn about how children grow and mature and have realistic expectations of what your child can and cannot do.
>> Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Being a parent isn’t easy. Someone you know may be struggling with his or her parenting responsibilities. Offer a helping hand: Take care of the children, so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.
>> Help yourself. When the big and little problems of everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control, take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid. Take a deep breath. Turn on some music. Know whom to call for help, and keep the numbers next to your phone.
>> Respect kids. Treat them the same way you want to be treated.
>> Get involved. Advocate for services to families. Help to establish parenting groups in your community. Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.
>> Help to develop parenting resources at your local library: films, books and information.
>> Promote programs in schools. Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.
>> Monitor your child’s television and video viewing. Watching violent films and TV programs harms young children. It scares them, and teaches children that aggression is a good way to handle frustration and solve problems.
>> Volunteer at a local child abuse program. There are many family support, crisis need volunteers to help families under stress. Contact your local United Way office or look in a telephone directory for agencies in your community. If you can’t give time, support the program with a donation.
>> Report suspected abuse or neglect. Keeping children safe is the responsibility of every adult in the community. If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call the Oahu 24-hour hotline at 832-5300.
Neighbor island calls may be made during business hours Monday-Friday: East Hawaii at 974-6565; West Hawaii, 327-4787; Kauai, 274-3320; Maui, 243-5162; Molokai, 553-3681; and Lanai, 565-7271. Your concern may mean that children are protected from abuse.
If you need help or support, please reach out to us. We are here for all the parents and caregivers of Hawaii.
Robert Raasch-Barajas is executive director of the nonprofit Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii (www.preventchildabusehawaii.com or 951-0200).
