Your role in preventing child abuse
As adults, we have a responsibility to support and protect children. How do we do that?
Be informed. Be educated on signs, risk factors, ways to minimize opportunity, and how to report abuse responsibly. You could be the one to identify instances of abuse in your children or their friends’ lives.
Talk with other adults. Be courageous and start conversations with other adults about child abuse prevention. Talk about how you can support each other.
Talk with your children. Open and honest communication is one of the biggest protective factors we can offer our kids. Hard conversations can be nerve-wracking, but they are ALWAYS worth it!
Check in with yourself. When you notice your stress levels rising, pause and prioritize self-care. Meditate, go for a walk, journal, talk with a therapist, or call a friend. Engage in what makes you happy.
Ask for help. You don’t have to parent alone. Reaching out to a friend, family member, parenting class, or a support group is helpful to many caregivers. Home visiting and therapeutic services are available in your community.
Not a parent? You still have a part to play.
Be a safe adult. Know the signs of abuse and how to report responsibly. Call the DHS Hotline at 855-503-7233 or your local law enforcement. Children who have caring adults present in their lives are at lower risk of experiencing abuse.
Support parents. Parenting is tough. Take the time to recognize a parent’s efforts, offer encourgement and lend a hand when you can. You can help reduce a family’s stress, which can provide added protection for kids.
Check-in. Are you concerned about a family? Make an effort to check in with caregivers and youth. Unfortunately, abuse often occurs in the home. By making yourself available, you may be helping a child get the safety they need.
Advocate and donate. Talk about child abuse and how we can prevent it in our community. Raise the visibility of this issue and advocate/donate to organizations that provide crisis intervention to vulnerable families in our community.
Don't know where to go to get support?
Central Oregon has many organizations that address the needs and stressors that make us more vulnerable and put children at risk. Take a look at the community resources available in each county.