A Story for Child Abuse Prevention Month
Twelve-year-old Emily sat curled up on the worn-out couch, the fabric rough against her arms. The flicker of the television provided the only light in her living room. She clutched her stuffed rabbit, its fur matted from years of comfort. Tonight, the shouting in the kitchen seemed louder than usual, voices and cries slashing through the thin walls. Emily’s heartbeat drummed in her ears as she squeezed the rabbit tighter. She had long since learned to make herself small and quiet, a ghost in her own home. Bruises dotted her upper arms and legs, evidence of her father’s rage. School was a refuge, but even there, she was haunted by her home experience.
One rainy afternoon, Ms. Parker, her English teacher, knelt beside her desk. "Emily, you seem distant lately. Is everything alright?" Emily’s eyes darted away, rehearsing the lie she always told. "I'm fine. Just tired.” but Ms. Parker’s eyes were kind and understanding. "You can talk to me if you ever need to. I’m here to listen." Days passed, and the bruises beneath her clothes deepened. The loneliness grew heavier until Emily found herself outside Ms. Parker’s classroom after school. Hands trembling, she whispered, "Can I talk to you?"
Ms. Parker listened without interruption, her expression a mix of sorrow and determination. The next steps were a blur, meetings with counselors, soft voices asking hard questions. Emily and her mother ended up going to a local domestic violence shelter, where they found safety, support, and a path to healing. Emily felt exposed, but there was also relief. She wasn’t alone anymore.
Emily’s story is not unique. Many children suffer in silence, their pain unnoticed. But by recognizing the signs of abuse, listening, and taking action, we can be the voice that brings light to their darkness. Speak up, protect children, and be the change they desperately need.
Mutual Ground is dedicated to preventing child abuse through comprehensive education and support services. Our Prevention Education Team offers school-based programs that teach students and teachers, and parents to recognize, refuse, and report various forms of abuse using age-appropriate language. These programs cover topics such as child sexual abuse prevention, sexual violence prevention, sexual harassment prevention, and dating violence prevention.
In addition to educational initiatives, Mutual Ground provides counseling, emergency shelter, and advocacy services to support individuals and families affected by domestic and sexual violence. By addressing both prevention and intervention, Mutual Ground works to create a safer environment for children and the community.
Child Abuse Awareness Month: Protecting and Supporting Children
Every April, Child Abuse Awareness Month highlights the importance of protecting children and supporting families in crisis. It raises awareness about child abuse, encourages prevention, and empowers communities to create safer environments.
Pinwheels for Prevention display on Mutual Ground’s main campus. Blue pinwheels are used as a national symbol to represent the bright, happy childhoods every child deserves and the efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Types of Child Abuse:
Physical Abuse: Intentional harm causing injury.
Emotional Abuse: Actions damaging a child’s self-worth.
Sexual Abuse: Any sexual activity involving a child.
Neglect: Failure to meet basic needs like food, shelter, and supervision.
Signs of Child Abuse:
Unexplained injuries or bruises
Fear of certain people or places
Behavioral changes (aggression or withdrawal)
Poor hygiene or malnutrition
Age-inappropriate sexual behavior
How to Help:
Raise Awareness: Share information and warning signs.
Support Families: Offer resources and encouragement.
Report Abuse: Contact child protective services or law enforcement if you suspect abuse. Advocate for Policies: Support laws protecting children and families.
Stand Up for Children
Child Abuse Awareness Month is a call to action. By educating ourselves, supporting families, and reporting concerns, we can ensure every child feels safe, valued, and loved. If you suspect abuse, don’t hesitate reach out for help. Together, we can make a difference.
Written by Stephanie Adamson, LCPC, CADC, CDVP
Chief Operating Officer at Mutual Ground
