April Child Abuse Prevention Month

Jesus said, “But whoever hurts one of these little ones who believe in Me and causes them to loose faith, it would be better for that person to have a weight hung around their neck, and be drowned in the sea.” Mark 9:42



April is child abuse prevention month. This is a time to remember all those children out there who have been emotionally, physically, and sexually abused by someone they thought they could trust, whether that be a family member, friend of the family, or a stranger. Children are more often abused by someone they know and love. Rarely are they abducted and abused by a stranger, though that does sometimes happen.



When someone a child loves breaks their trust by abusing them in some way or another, that child will forever have difficulty establishing trust in future relationships, especially when a child is sexually abused. This kind of abuse violates their person and often results in a damaged psychological state of being, if not their physical state of being. Children who are sexually abused at a very young age have even greater difficulties adjusting. They often experience severe depression, suicidal feelings, lack of relationship development, and a myriad of other psychological problems.



Childhood sexual abuse is believed to be experienced by about one third of all girls under age 18, and a number of boys as well. Abused boys often never report the abuse, especially if it was by a homosexual male. Often these boys believe they are gay and become homosexuals as a result. Young girls who are severely abused by older males often become lesbian due to their fear and anger toward males. About one third of all children who are sexually abused as a child become sexual abusers themselves when they grow up, often starting in their teens.



Physical abuse and emotional abuse often occurs simultaneously with sexual abuse. Often the child is threatened by the abuser, so that the child is afraid to tell anyone that the abuse is happening to them. Less often is physical abuse part of the equation, but it does happen.



Sometimes, children are abused in a number of ways by live in boyfriends or step fathers. Mothers who date, have a live in, or remarry should be especially careful when exposing young children to new relationships. Even if the mother believes she can trust the man with her children, she should take precautions until there is ample evidence that that trust is well deserved. She should never leave her children alone with a man, who she does not know for certain she can trust.



Children are sometimes abused by their mothers as well. Often this results when the mother is herself being abused, or when she is under tremendous stress due to being a single parent with no resources to help her. Risk factors for abuse are greater in families where alcohol or drugs are used or abused, or the mother and children are isolated from other family members or other resources, such as church or community services.



But abuse of a child can be stopped by the few who step up and speak out for them. The cycle of abuse can be interrupted by one person who is willing to take a stand, and get involved. It is against the law not to report cases of suspected child abuse. Be the one who makes a difference.