Child Abuse Prevention Month
April 2003

About
Purpose
Definition
Statistics
Prevention

What is Child Abuse Prevention Month?

Child Abuse Prevention Month is a Presidentially declared observance that is celebrated every year in April. It focuses on the importance of providing children with a safe and nurturing environment in which they can grow to their full potential as responsible adults and members of society.

What is the purpose of this observance?

Child Abuse Prevention Month aims to encourage everyone to play an active role in identifying and preventing all forms of child abuse.

What is child abuse?

Child abuse takes many forms and is not always immediately recognized or addressed. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C.A. 510g) defines child abuse and neglect, at a minimum, as "any recent act or failure on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm." The perpetrators of more than 80 percent of acts of child abuse in the year 2001 were parents.

How many children are affected by abuse?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, an estimated 903,000 children in this country were victims of abuse and neglect in 2001. In addition, younger children were more likely to be the victims of abuse that was fatal; more than 40 percent were less than a year old, and nearly 85 percent were younger than 6 years old.

How can we prevent child abuse?

Caregivers, adults, and members of society in general have a moral obligation to protect all children from abusive experiences. Communities and schools can raise awareness through parent education programs and public education campaigns. In an emergency, call your local police department to ensure the immediate safety of an abused child. If you have concerns that a child is being abused or neglected, contact the Child Help USA National Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 422-4453.