April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April 1st is a day known for pranks and good fun, but it’s also the start of an awareness month on a matter that is simply no joke.

April has been Child Abuse Prevention month for many years. Traditionally April is the month of the child, in the association of education for young children.

The decision was made to incorporate Child Abuse Prevention during this month. Child abuse can happen anywhere and it is found here in Idaho.

Recent research says 1 out of 4 children has had some sort of maltreatment during the course of their life. According to the CDC, 29% of those children will be under the age of one.

The Idaho Children’s Trust Fund says, too many children suffer abuse and neglect at the hands of parents and caretakers who should be nurturing them instead.

The Trust Fund is making a difference in preventing abuse and neglect before it happens.

Child Development Specialist, Holly Withworth said, “I think that one of the most important things we can do as an adult is to first educate ourselves.

If you think of a situation where your child may be one on one with an adult we need to minimize these opportunities. By doing so, you dramatically reduce the potential for abuse to happen.”

The Idaho Children’s Trust Fund is asking community members to take part in the celebration of prevention month.

‘Thumbs Up Idaho’ is one small step to show support for happy-healthy childhoods and be an advocate for children around the state.

To learn more about the signs on recognizing child abuse, visit our ‘Stop Child Abuse’ page.