(Posted 2022 March, Updated 2023 March)
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Fairfax County Department of Family Services works broadly to identify, interrupt and improve upon potentially abusive circumstances. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Given this intersection, the reality of child sexual abuse is an significant reminder of how important it is to provide basic education to children and families around issues of abuse.
The Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS) provides services designed to help prevent or interrupt the cycle of child abuse and neglect. While the Befriend-A-Child Mentoring Program develops children’s sense of belonging through caring relationships and support, the Body Safety Program delivers abuse prevention education in schools and community organizations in a format that is easy for children to understand.
Facilitators share five simple safety rules in kid-friendly language using the Childhelp® Speak Up Be Safe curriculum. These lessons help children (and teachers) recognize child sexual abuse and empower children by giving them tools that can help them speak out about abuse.
In the spirit of Child Abuse Prevention Month, here are a few points worth reviewing with the children in your life:
- They own their bodies. Some parts of their bodies are private.
- It’s adults' job to keep them safe.
- They have choices in unsafe situations.
- It is never too late to ask for help.
- It is never their fault if someone abuses them.
The most impactful weapon against the long-term effects of abuse is to keep it from happening in the first place. With the help of partners, donors and volunteers, VPS helps to foster resilient networks of support within our community. We prevent adverse childhood experiences by getting involved in children’s lives and building an atmosphere of understanding for the families we serve.
Check out additional Fairfax County resources about Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).