Marine Corps Recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Editor's note: This military-written story was provided by the DVIDs website.

Lance Cpl. Sarah Wolff

In 2009, Child Protective Services confirmed more than 700,000 children were abused or neglected, according to the Center for Disease Control. This is only the number of confirmed cases. Most cases aren’t reported.

“It is important to dedicate an entire month to prevention because it is a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and create strong communities to support children and families,” said Laurie A. Scudder, prevention and education specialist, Counseling Services, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

The Marine Corps child abuse prevention theme for this year is “Preventing Child Maltreatment and Promoting Well-Being: A Network for Action.”

Learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect is the first step in helping abused or neglected children.

“The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum: any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm,” said Scudder.

The presence of one of these signs does not mean child abuse is occurring, but when these sign appear repeatedly or in combination, a closer look at the situation may be warranted, according to Scudder.

The Child:
-Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
-Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention
-Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes
-Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
-Lacks adult supervision
-Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn
-Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home
-Has visible injuries

The Parent:
-Shows little concern for the child
-Denies the existence of—or blames the child for—the child's problems in school or at home
-Asks teachers or other caregivers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves
-Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome
-Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve
-Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs

“If abuse is suspected, a report should be filed with qualified and experienced agencies that will investigate the situation,” according to the Department of Social Services of California.

Although educating people about the warning signs is vital to overcoming child abuse, intervention is another important piece. Intervention can be as simple as realization for the families and helping them find the resources they may need.

“Child abuse can also be prevented by speaking up for those that don’t have a voice. Speaking out against child abuse and reporting suspected abuse can save a child’s life. It is important as a community to come together against this epidemic,” said Scudder.

Counseling Services (bldg 1122, 760-725-9051) provides briefs, classes/workshops, and brochures with child abuse prevention and awareness information.

The MCCS website also has a Counseling Services page with resources pertaining to child abuse.

For additional information visit www.childhelp.org or www.childwelfare.gov.

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