Child Abuse can happen in any family and in any neighborhood.

According to Darkness to Light, a nationally recognized child sexual abuse prevention program:

  • 1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 18

  • 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18

  • 1 in 5 children are solicited sexually while on the internet

  • Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children 17 and younger.

  • An estimated 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse exist in America today.


To help prevent child abuse in your home and community:

  • Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Offer to make dinner, watch their kids so they can get a break.

  • Help yourself. Self-care is important for all of us.

  • Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying. Never shake a baby — shaking a child may result in severe injury or death

  • Promote local programs. Ask your child’s school, local library, community leaders to offer parenting, online safety, afterschool and other programs.

  • Monitor your child’s television, video, and internet usage — and learn about the latest apps, social media platforms, etc.

  • Report suspected abuse or neglect. If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call your local department of children and family services or your local police department.

  • Volunteer your time. Get involved with other parents in your community. Help vulnerable children and their families. Start a playgroup.

  • Discipline your child thoughtfully. Never discipline your child when you are upset. Give yourself time to calm down. Remember that discipline is a way to teach your child. Use privileges to encourage good behavior and time-out to help your child regain control.

  • Examine your behavior. Abuse is not just physical. Words and actions can inflict deep, lasting wounds. Use your actions to show children and other adults that conflicts can be settled without hitting or yelling.

  • Teach children their rights. When children are taught they are special and have the right to be safe, they are less likely to think abuse is their fault and more likely to report an offender.

  • Support prevention programs. Greater investments are needed in programs that have been proven to stop abuse before it occurs, including counseling and home visits by nurses who help newborns and their parents.

  • Know what child abuse is. Physical and sexual abuse clearly constitute maltreatment, but so does neglect or the failure of parents or other caregivers to provide a child with needed food, clothing and care. Children can also be emotionally abused when they are rejected, berated or continuously isolated.

  • Know the signs. Unexplained injuries, depression, fear of a certain adult, difficulty trusting others or making friends, sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor hygiene, secrecy and hostility often are signs of family problems and may indicate a child is being neglected or physically, sexually or emotionally abused.

  • Invest in kids. Encourage leaders in the community to support children and families. Ask employers to provide family-friendly work environments. Ask your local and national lawmakers to support legislation to better protect children and improve their lives.