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As children grow into adults, the effects of abuse can continue to surface in complex ways. Adults with a history of child abuse may experience ongoing mental health concerns such as depression, post-traumatic stress, substance misuse, or difficulties with self-worth and boundaries. They may also face challenges in forming healthy relationships or trusting others. However, it is important to recognize that healing is possible. With supportive relationships, therapy, and access to resources, many individuals build resilience and lead healthy, meaningful lives.
Adults play a critical role in keeping children safe. Prevention starts with creating environments where children feel seen, heard, and protected. This includes learning the signs of abuse, taking disclosures seriously, and reporting concerns when needed. Adults can also model healthy relationships, set clear boundaries, and teach children about body safety and consent in age-appropriate ways.
Here are additional ways to prevent child abuse:
- If you are part of a school or organization that cares for children and families, review what kinds of training you have in place regarding child abuse prevention. Are you checking a box, or is there meaningful training available where people learn how to identify subtle as well as obvious signs of abuse and what to do if they see a concern?
- Review policies. Make sure staff and volunteers know they should not be alone with a student, and that communication should be transparent and traceable (for example, no private texting with young people). There are texting apps and services that can be used with parent permission instead of directly sharing personal cell phone numbers.
- Speaking of volunteers, have all your volunteers as well as paid staff been through prevention training? What about community organization group members?
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If you see a questionable behavior or hear something, say something. School professionals are mandated reporters which means you are legally required to report suspected child maltreatment to Child Protective Services. It is CPS's job to determine if the report warrants an investigation. Mandated reporters are not relieved of their responsibility by only reporting it to someone in their school per the Ohio Revised Code Mandated Reporter Statute section 2151.421. After making a report to CPS, follow any documentation procedures set forth by the school/agency in which you are working.
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Normalize seeking mental health support. As an adult, you may benefit from therapy whether dealing with past trauma or considering current goals. Look into your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or search the Internet for therapists in your area. It is estimated that 30% of current adults have experienced some type of childhood trauma (CDC, 2024). For more information and specific types of abuse statistics, check out the National Children's Alliance.
April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month, offering an opportunity to raise awareness and connect families with resources. Helpful supports include the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD), which provides 24/7 crisis assistance; Prevent Child Abuse America (preventchildabuse.org), which offers education and prevention tools; and information about local child advocacy centers that provide coordinated support for children and families.
This month, communities often host events such as Wear Blue Day, create pinwheel garden displays, and plan family resource fairs to promote prevention. By staying informed and engaged, adults can help ensure that every child grows up safe, supported, and valued. If your area of Ohio has a child abuse prevention display or event, please send us a picture: edwardg6@miamioh.edu
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