April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Statement House is taking part in Prevent Child Abuse America #pinwheelsforprevention by planting pinwheels to honor advocates and volunteers in Georgia and beyond.
We do this because in the U.S., one out of every seven children experienced neglect or abuse within the past year, and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this number is very likely underestimated.
The physical and emotional damage to children is staggering. Abused and neglected children suffer not only immediate problems but may experience long-term consequences, such as emotional and psychological difficulties, persistent physical illness, and post-traumatic stress. Worse, children who are abused also show an increased risk of continuing learned patterns of abuse and neglect.
Beyond individual impact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate the total lifetime economic burden resulting from abuse and neglect exceeds $592 billion, which rivals the cost of health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
Everyone benefits when children have safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments. Take some time this month to recognize the amazing support organizations and agencies advocating on behalf of families and children. We’re especially fond of Prevent Child Abuse America’s new Theory of Change that focuses equity, centering families, expanding access, and the impact that systemic racism and poverty have on families and children. “When families have what they need, when they need it, in the communities where they live, delivered in a manner without stigma— before a crisis occurs—then children can thrive.”
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