During April, we highlight and recognize the importance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Prevention of child abuse and maltreatment is not singular. It takes the collective strength, motivation, and connection of entire communities nationwide to drive change.
According to the Administration for Children and Families Child Maltreatment Federal Fiscal Year 2022 report, American Indian or Alaska Native children had the highest rate of victimization at 14.3 per 1,000 children. Although child neglect is the most common form, child maltreatment includes physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or person in a custodial role, such as a religious leader, coach, or teacher that results in harm, the potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. Being exposed to drugs, alcohol, mental health issues, food insecurity, and high rates of violence are all potential risk factors for child maltreatment. Raising awareness about child abuse and maltreatment helps support prevention efforts and reduction strategies to support healthy growth and development for Native children, families, and communities as a whole.
Let’s take action and make a difference! As we gain knowledge and understanding of child maltreatment, it is imperative for every individual, in every community across Indian Country, to take action and bring about change by identifying potential risk factors of child maltreatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outline a few protective factors to prevent child maltreatment. These include Individual Protective Factors such as caregivers creating safe, positive relationships, practicing nurturing parenting skills and providing emotional support, and meeting basic needs of food, shelter, education, and health services. Family Protective Factors include strong familial or social support networks, stable and positive relationships, maintaining a presence to enforce household rules and engage in child monitoring, and having caring adults outside the family who can serve as role models and mentors. Community Protective Factors include communities with access to safe and stable housing, nurturing and safe childcare, safe after school-programs and activities, medical care and mental health services, economic and financial help, and where adults have work opportunities with family-friendly policies.
Individuals and communities who teach Indigenous core values, cultural strengths, Native languages, and traditional beliefs positively impact a child’s health and well-being, which ultimately decreases any potential negative health outcomes and risks for maltreatment.
What is your call to action to positively impact and bring about change in your community for National Child Abuse Prevention Month?
Helpful resources:
- Hotline for Reporting Child/Sexual Abuse within IHS: 855-SAFE-IHS (855-723-3447)
- Indian Health Manual, Part 3, Chapter 36: Child Maltreatment
- IHS Child Maltreatment – related information
- EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center – Pediatric Education and Advocacy Kit (PEAK): Child Abuse
- Children’s Bureau: The Administration for Children and Families (hhs.gov)
- National Child Abuse Prevention Month - Child Welfare Information Gateway
- National Indian Child Welfare Association – NICWA
- White House Proclamation on National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2024
