CA/CSA Prevention Month

⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️ For those unfamiliar with the terms CA/CSA, they stand for child abuse and child sex abuse. April is CA/CSA Prevention Month and while this should be a staple all year round, this month specifically is a time to raise awareness about the importance of keeping our children safe and protected. As a parent, it is vital to understand the seriousness of child abuse and how we can prevent it from happening but as a CA/CSA victim, this topic is extremely personal.

Did you know that accodring to the National Children’s Alliance, every year, more than 700,000 children in the United States are victims of abuse or neglect. Child abuse can have severe and long-lasting effects on a child’s physical, emotional, and mental health. As parents, it is our responsibility to take steps to prevent child abuse and protect our children.

Here are five statistics on child abuse and child sexual abuse:

1. Child abuse and neglect cost the United States $80 billion each year in direct and indirect costs. (source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

2. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys will experience child sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. (source: Darkness to Light)

3. Children who experience child abuse and neglect are at increased risk for physical and mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic diseases. (source: American Academy of Pediatrics)

4. Over 70% of child abuse cases involve a parent or caregiver. (source: Child Welfare Information Gateway)

5. In 2019, there were over 1,800 child fatalities due to abuse and neglect in the United States. (source: Child Welfare Information Gateway)

As parents, there are several steps we can take to prevent child abuse and promote a safe and healthy environment for our children. Here are some tips:

1. Educate yourself: Learn about the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect so that you can recognize and report it if necessary. A few of our favorite places to start are Consent Parenting , Tough Topics Mom and our book list on age appropriate, informative picture books to help you open a dialogue of safety with your children.

2. Talk to your children: Teach your children about the appropriate names for their body parts, the awareness of safe and unsafe touch, appropriate versus inappropriate behavior, personal boundaries, and consent. Encourage them to speak up if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

3. Establish a safety network and supportive environment: Create an environment where your child feels safe to talk to you about anything. Make it clear that you will always believe and support them. Assign 4-5 trusted friends or family members who know your plan to educate your children on body education, safety & consent as a safety network. Include them in the language and books you’re reading so that they can continue the same dialogue and protocols put in place to keep your children safe.

4. Be vigilant: Keep an eye out for any concerning behaviors or changes in your child’s behavior or behavior of others that seems off or is a sign of grooming. If you notice anything unusual, seek help immediately.

5. Report abuse: If you suspect child abuse, report it to the appropriate authorities immediately. You can call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) for help and support.

CA/CSA Prevention Month is a reminder to all of us that child abuse is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on our children. As parents and educators, it is our responsibility to take steps to prevent child abuse and protect our children. By educating ourselves, talking to our children, and creating a safe and supportive environment, we can help promote the health and well-being of our children.