National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month! Initiated in 1983, this annual observance focuses on increasing awareness and providing education and support to families in an effort to prevent child abuse across the United States.
Child abuse refers to the physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, or neglect of a child under the age of 18. It is estimated that the total lifetime economic burden associated with child maltreatment in the United States is $428 billion.
Exposure to child abuse, neglect, and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can severely harm brain development and negatively impact the nervous and immune systems, leaving youth survivors at risk for future unhealthy behaviors and negative health outcomes.
Educate yourself and your community about child abuse and prevention strategies that you can employ locally.
Learn More and Get Involved:
- Discover strategies to raise awareness of child abuse in the 2021/2022 Prevention Resource Guide.
- Leverage CDC policies and procedures to prevent child sexual abuse in your youth-serving organizations.
- Explore resources to common questions families have related to child welfare issues.
- Share this tip sheet with youth to help them spot child abuse and know how to respond if someone they know is in danger.
- Watch this video and learn how to prevent ACEs.
Get Help or Report Abuse:
- Report cases of child abuse or neglect according to state protocol.
- Call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453) for crisis intervention, information, and referrals to emergency, social service, and support resources.
