April Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
In last week’s article I mentioned that the month of April is National Autism Awareness Month. Additionally, the month of April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. April has been designated Child Abuse Prevention Month in the United States since 1983. Tragically, last year in Texas, over 63,000 children were victims of child abuse or neglect. It is important that we identify and work to prevent this type of abuse. We must work together to try and create a safer and more secure society for our children and families. As a community, it is essential that we bring awareness to this issue and work to improve this generation by eradicating violent actions against our youth. The types of abuse and neglectful situations will often times result in problems not just at home, but also impact their grades and performance at school.
One of the initiatives that has been put in place to help to try and diminish the abuse of children is the Administration for Children & Families, which is a division of the United States Department of Health & Human Services. This administration was created to encourage communities to work to create a positive impact on both the development of children and their quality of life. Additionally, the Administration for Children & Families works to create partnerships with various stakeholders to provide front-line services to those affected. They also work to address the vulnerabilities of the public, as well as those who have developmental disabilities. It is during this month that families are encouraged to share child neglect and abuse prevention strategies and find ways of promoting avenues of prevention across the nation.
All over the country, organizations host events to raise awareness for Child Abuse Awareness Month. In our area, the Corpus Christi Education Service Center (which services the Port Aransas and Corpus Christi areas) will be hosting their 2nd Annual Walk to Glow event on Thursday, April 19. Participants will walk or run 1.6 miles, beginning at Sherrill Park and ending at the Corpus Christi Watergardens. Participants will then watch the Harbor Bridge light up with a blue pinwheel– the national symbol of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Most importantly, if you think a child is being abused or at risk of abuse, please call 1-800-4-A-Child. This is the number for the ChildHelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline, which is staffed 24 hours a day, every day, and is available in 170 different languages. All calls to the hotline are confidential, and by calling you can find more information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.
