April 1-30

Child Abuse Awareness Month

Show your support for Child Abuse Awareness Month - help spread the message of protection and prevention to keep kids safe.

Yearly Date
April 1
Type
Month
Category
Cause

Introduction

April 1 marks the start of Child Abuse Awareness Month, a time to recognize and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our children from abuse. This month has been around since 1983, when President Ronald Reagan declared April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in an effort to draw attention to this important issue and create a nationwide support network for victims and survivors. Now more than ever, it is important that we join together to spread knowledge and understanding about child abuse in order to create safe environments for all children.

Child Abuse Awareness Month Timeline

1974
Child Abuse Prevention Act
The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) is signed into law, providing federal funding to states in support of prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, and treatment activities.
1982
First National Conference
The first National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect is held, creating a platform for professionals to exchange ideas and develop strategies to address the issue of child abuse.
1983
Child Abuse Awareness Month Initiation
US President Ronald Reagan declares April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month to draw attention to this critical problem and build a support network for victims and survivors.
1990s
Child Advocacy Centers Growth
In the 1990s, multidisciplinary child advocacy centers grew significantly, providing a child-friendly environment for interviewing and examining children who have been abused.
2004
CAPTA Reauthorization
CAPTA is reauthorized, improving provisions related to the reporting of suspected child abuse, expands circumstances requiring expedited termination of parental rights, and enhances the program for grants for improving the handling of child abuse and neglect cases.
2010
Strengthening Protections
The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act is once again reauthorized, strengthening further protections for children and support for families.

How to Celebrate Child Abuse Awareness Month

1

Volunteer at a shelter

Volunteer your time to an organization that supports children who have been neglected or abused. You can offer emotional support, help with basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter, and help with activities such as tutoring, art projects, and outdoor activities.

2

Spread awareness

Raise awareness about the issue of child abuse by talking to your friends and family about it. Share facts and stories on social media, or write letters to your local newspaper.

3

Organize a fundraiser

Organize a fundraiser to benefit an organization that helps victims of child abuse. Use online fundraising platforms or host an event in your community to collect donations.

4

Educate yourself

Read books, watch films, and take courses to educate yourself on the issue of child abuse and how to protect children from it. Look for organizations that provide resources on preventing and responding to child abuse.

5

Donate to the cause

Make a financial donation to a charity that works to prevent and respond to child abuse. Your support can help provide resources and services that can help protect children from harm.

Why Child Abuse Awareness Month is Important

A

Child abuse is a serious issue

Every year, millions of children around the world suffer from abuse. This could be in the form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. It's important for us to create awareness about child abuse and make sure that people are aware of its consequences so that it can be prevented or dealt with when it does occur.

B

It promotes healing

Raising awareness about child abuse empowers survivors to come forward and begin their own journey toward healing. By having this conversation, we can help give these survivors the support they need to move on from their trauma and start living life again.

C

It raises funds & resources

Child abuse awareness month helps to raise both funds and resources for various programs focused on helping survivors of abuse and preventing future cases. Organizations like Childhelp and Prevent Child Abuse America help to provide access to counseling, support groups and other forms of treatment for those affected by child abuse.

Child Abuse Awareness Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 31
Friday
2024
Mar 31
Sunday
2025
Mar 31
Monday
2026
Mar 31
Tuesday
2027
Mar 31
Wednesday