“Now that April has come and gone, so have many of the public activities highlighting it as child abuse prevention month. What many people learn during April relates to the long term impact that child abuse and neglect can impose on a child’s development. Specifically, it is learned that a child who has experienced the trauma of abuse and neglect can have life-long struggles with relationships, academics, job experiences, physical health, mental health and future parenting behavior.
Typically, if we see a child with a broken bone, we support and help that child with their physical needs and healing. However, the emotional, cognitive and spiritual breaks resulting from abuse and neglect are often not responded to or recognized in the same supportive manner.
As adults, we are responsible to create a safe environment for all children to grow, develop and heal. It is important to keep the momentum from April going throughout the year, so that we can reach each child impacted by the fear and pain of child abuse, keep the cycle from repeating and work together to stop it once and for all.”
Regina Staves, Ph.D., Children’s Trust Fund Chair
Avila University, Kansas City, Missouri
Assistant Professor
Interim Chair, Department of Psychology
