Wear Blue this Sunday: Go Blue Child Abuse Awareness Sunday

April 26 is Go Blue

Child Abuse Awareness Sunday

     The Go Blue Child Abuse Awareness Committee asks people to wear blue on Sunday April 26 in recognition of those who are affected by child abuse. The idea is to promote awareness of how serious this problem is. The hope is that individuals and organizations in the community will act to prevent such abuse.

What can we do to help prevent child abuse?

If you are a stressed parent and overwhelmed with the problems of everyday life, take time out so that you don’t take it out on your children. Talk to someone. Tell a friend, health-care provider, or leader in your faith community about your concerns. Counseling can help you learn healthy ways to deal with problems.

Parenting classes were mentioned in an article in the Douglas County Herald last week about efforts being made by the Options Pregnancy Center in Ava to expand their available space to better serve families who “are simply looking for encouragement and a sense of stability during uncertain seasons of life.” There are pastors of churches and counselors who would also help a stressed parent.

If you are a concerned person, inform yourself to recognize certain signs of abuse.  Abused children may seem nervous around adults or afraid of certain adults.  They may seem very passive and withdrawn or aggressive and disruptive. They may act overly mature or immature for their age.  They may show sudden changes in behavior or school performance. They may have unexplained burns, bruises, black eyes, or other injuries. They may run away from home or attempt suicide. These signs don’t prove that a child is being abused, but they should be a signal that the child needs help. Listen to what a child says, if a child tells you about being abused, don’t ignore it. And if you see or hear something and you have a “gut feeling” that abuse is taking place: Call the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-392-3738