April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Child maltreatment—which includes emotional, physical, sexual abuse and neglect—is a serious public health issue. Hundreds of thousands of children are victims each year. According to child protective service agencies, about 679,000 children were substantiated victims of maltreatment in 2013.

The Division of Violence Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works to better understand the problem of child maltreatment and to prevent it before it begins. Essentials for Childhood is CDC's framework for preventing child maltreatment, and its efforts are focused on assuring safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children. The framework’s online resources and tools help prevention efforts during National Child Abuse Prevention Month and throughout the year.

Facts about Child Abuse and Neglect

http://www.cdc.gov/features/healthychildren/
Child Abuse and Neglect Are Preventable

Public health works to stop child maltreatment, including abuse and neglect, before it occurs. In doing this, national, state and local public health programs promote the development of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments between children and their parents or caregivers. Children's experiences are defined through their environments (such as homes, schools, and neighborhoods) and relationships with parents, teachers, and other caregivers. Healthy relationships act as a buffer against adverse childhood experiences and are necessary to ensure the long-term physical and emotional well-being of children.

View Jefferson County Public Health webpage for information on programs and services.