Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

With the month of April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Child Abuse Awareness Committee in Suffolk recently shared some resources to help prevent child abuse.

Everyone, of course, is against child abuse, but it’s harder to know how to find resources when you are a parent or guardian and feel that you are at the end of your rope, or you are a friend or bystander and you’re not sure if there’s a problem or who to call.

Fortunately, there are a number of resources in Suffolk that can help. There are programs that do home visits. People can call Child Protective Services not just when they think abuse is happening, but before it starts, to get help.

There are also some signs of possible abuse to look for, including always hungry/asking for food; dressing oddly for the season, possibly to cover bruises; physically absent for periods of time; suddenly very withdrawn behavior; poor hygiene that’s inappropriate for their age; regression in daily functions; or cruelty to animals.

One thing that can’t predict whether child abuse can happen or is happening: the family’s socioeconomic level. Child abuse is something that happens in families of all social standings.

During this special month of awareness and prevention, we encourage everyone to learn how you can get involved and prevent child abuse. You can also wear blue on April 25 to bring attention to the issue.