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Recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month

Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, the Child Abuse Prevention Services of Marshall County, and the Hardin County Child Abuse Prevention Coalition recognize the importance of community-based support for all children and families during National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month in April. The theme of this year’s awareness and impact campaign is “Building Together: Prevention in Partnership.”

Together we recognize that all community members have a role in ensuring children have positive experiences and families have the resources they need when they need them, well before they are in crisis. Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported. By preventing child abuse and neglect we aim to holistically improve the lives of all families and the communities they live in.

The social connections and community services and activities that serve as protective factors against child abuse and neglect may not exist in this extraordinary time of physical distancing.

Child Abuse Prevention Services and the Hardin County Child Abuse Prevention Coalition recommends the following ways that people everywhere can dig in and help raise awareness and impact virtually during this year’s CAP Month:

• Wear blue on March 31, 2023, Wear Blue Day, to show support for children and families. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WearBlueDay2023 hashtag. Continue wearing blue each Friday throughout April.

• Participate in Prevent Child Abuse America’s nationwide Digital Advocacy Day, on Wednesday, April 19. Contact legislators to let them know that you and your community support family-friendly policies, such as paid sick and family leave, that help reduce stress on parents and caregivers.

• Follow these organizations on Facebook at @capsmarshalltown and @CAPHardinCo and share our posts throughout the month of April. Encourage friends and family to do the same. Use the hashtags #GrowingBetterTogether and #CAPMonth to signify your commitment to helping children, families, and entire communities to thrive. Watch for activities hosted by each organization.

Our children are our future and if we take action not just in April but every day, we can go a long way toward creating stronger communities where abuse and neglect never occur. Remember, anyone can report suspected child abuse by calling the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178.

——

Carrie Kube is a Director for the Iowa River Valley

Early Childhood Area Board. All thoughts and opinions expressed are that of the author and not the Board

and/or its community partners.

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