Child Abuse Prevention Month: For every one reported two abused children not reported

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. A.C. Eggman
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  For every incident of child abuse or neglect that is reported, it is estimated that two go unreported in the United States, according to national statistics.

The month of April is dedicated to child abuse prevention and education to increase public awareness of the need to ensure the safety and welfare of children for that very reason, said Diane Bradley, 7th Medical Group Family Advocacy Program assistant.

"We highlight the month to also bring attention to the growing problem and how, we as Wingmen can help to prevent it," said Mrs. Bradley. "Over the years, the mission of the Air Force has changed along with society. The programs that are being offered today are in line with these changes."

The Air Force and the Dyess Family Advocacy Program offer a variety of programs to education and to help prevent child abuse and neglect.

To highlight those programs, the FAP staff will hand out brochures at the main gate April 7 and 23; have an information booth set up at the base exchange April 17; hold a child abuse training day for daycare providers April 21; and hold a barbeque at the child development center April 24.

The first documented child abuse case dates back to 1824. But it wasn't until 1963 the first state passed a child abuse law requiring physicians to report suspected cases of child abuse. By the end of the 1960s, the U.S. government passed legislation requiring child abuse reporting in all states. In 1974, the first federal child protection legislation, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act was passed.

Currently, there are more than 33,770 children in Taylor County. Of those:

-- More than 600 children were abused or neglected last year in Taylor County
-- Fifty-six were removed from their homes and placed in foster care
-- Three child died due to abuse and/or neglect

Even more startling is that more than 60 percent of victims experience some type neglect, and did not receive the basic needs. Fewer than 20 percent experienced physical abuse, while 10 percent experienced sexual abuse. Approximately 7 percent experience some type of emotional abuse such as rejecting or refusing to nurture the child. More than 900,000 children are victims of child abuse and neglect in the United States each year, which results in about 1,500 deaths.

"Every day about four children die in the United States because of abuse or neglect, most are babies or toddlers," said Mrs. Bradley. "Family Advocacy works very closely with on- and off-base community agencies to offer a variety of options for parents. The first step is to call or ask for help."

The FAP offers marriage and parental counseling, parent classes and holds a one-day seminar which covers parenting, marital, anger and stress-related issues. To learn more about these programs and classes the Family Advocacy offers, call Mrs. Bradley at 696-5380.