we are part of the solution
As appeared in the Evansville Courier & Press
To the editor:
Child abuse and neglect is a tragic issue in our community. No doubt. No question about it. This issue has to become nonexistent. No doubt. No question.
How do we address the abuse issue?
After a decade of research, Prevent Child Abuse America has come to the stark realization that the approach in addressing the abuse and neglect issue has to change. A paradigm shift has to take place within each of us. Focus on situations, not people. Focusing on people indicates a wrong already has been committed.
We need to focus on predictable situations in which abusive behavior happens: poverty, addiction, drug abuse, stress, limited education, job loss and isolation. Focusing on these situations allows us the opportunity to become part of the prevention process.
Each of us is a pivotal player in prevention. We need to embrace and accept personal responsibility to advocate for a child's rights when an obvious wrong surfaces; to "gently" inquire about a family's need for help if there is a gut feeling that "something just isn't right"; and to lend a helping hand to a family in stressful times.
None of us feels comfortable in penetrating the "family bubble" for fear of appearing to be "meddling." However, we have a moral responsibility to help.
Remember that each of us is part of the solution. Offers of help, in a nonjudgmental way, are proactive steps toward prevention. Helping parents in crisis for the love of a child is a simple and easy step in prevention.
There is no risk in offering to help a stressed parent. There is a risk not to. In 2006, the national rate for child victimization was 12.1 percent. Indiana was 13 percent and Vanderburgh County was 21 percent. This is the risk.
Ark Crisis Child Care Center provided 28,025 hours of crisis child care in 2007. The top three reasons for service were: stress/respite (1,163), job loss/employment (2,068) and medical/counseling (1,254). Mention Ark Crisis Child Care Center the next time you see a parent in need of help. You just became a pivotal player in prevention. No doubt.
Here are some helpful telephone numbers:
* Child Support hot line: (800) 840-8757
* Child Abuse and Neglect hot line: (800) 800-5556
Nancy Gump
Executive Director
Ark Crisis Child Care Center
Evansville