FAQs
How Can I Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect?
As an individual and as a member of your community, you have the power to prevent child abuse and neglect. Here are some ways to contribute:
Understand the problem. Child abuse and neglect affect children of all ages, races, and incomes.
Understand the terms. Child abuse and neglect take more than one form. Federal and State laws address four main types of child maltreatment: physical abuse, physical or emotional neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Often more than one type of abuse or neglect occurs within families.
Understand the causes. Most parents don't hurt or neglect their children intentionally. Many were themselves abused or neglected. Very young or inexperienced parents might not know how to take care of their babies or what they can reasonably expect from children at different stages of development.
Support programs that support families. Donate your time or money, if you can.
Report suspected abuse and neglect. All citizens have a responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the police or the child abuse hotline at 503-657-6802
Spread the word. Help educate others in your community about child abuse and neglect. See the list below for sources of free materials.
Strengthen the fabric of your community. Know your neighbors' names and the names of their children, and make sure they know yours. Give stressed parents a break by offering to watch their children. Volunteer. If you like interacting with children, great, but you do not have to volunteer directly with kids to contribute to prevention.
Be ready in an emergency. We've all witnessed the screaming-child-in-the-supermarket scenario. If we are parents, at least once that screaming child has been ours. Most parents take the typical tantrum in stride. But what if you witness a scene in the supermarket or anywhere else where you believe a child is being, or is about to be, physically or verbally abused? If you find yourself in a situation where you believe a child is being or will be abused at that moment, there are steps you can take. See the "Prevent Child Abuse America" link below for details.
Finally, and most important if you are a parent remember that prevention, like most positive things, begins at home. Take time to re-evaluate your parenting skills. Be honest with yourself, are you yelling at your children a lot or hitting them? Do you enjoy being a parent at least most of the time? If you could benefit from some help with parenting, seek it, getting help when you need it is an essential part of being a good parent.
Contact the resources below to locate places that parents can get help.
