OPINION/EDUCATION
April is both Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness month. The following article is the fourth article of a five-week series focusing on raising awareness about sexual assault and child abuse. Locally, HCWC served 616 community members that experienced sexual assault or abuse and 899 children that suffered abuse and their protective caregivers.
KNOW THE SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE An important first step toAn important first step to preventing child abuse and neglect is recognizing its many forms and knowing the signs, so you can recognize and report abuse if you suspect it. Signs of abuse can include unexplained injuries, appearing unkempt or malnourished despite having access to community resources, fear of going home or reluctance to be with a certain person, exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors, or unusual changes in behavior such as changes in mood or school behavior. When we learn more about the dynamics of child abuse, we can start to end abuse in every community, for community members of all ages.
