Child abuse prevention – awareness is key to prevention, detection Published April 1, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- This month Spangdahlem observes National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The month serves as a time to promote how working together can provide a healthy and safe environment for every child in the community. "This is a very important month to raise public awareness about child abuse and neglect and also to encourage individuals in the community to advocate for children who are experiencing any kind of abuse," said Cecilia Diaz, Family Advocacy outreach manager. Family Advocacy is hosting a variety of events throughout the month with the hope of increasing awareness of child abuse and the importance of reporting any kind of abuse, Ms. Diaz said. A Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Celebration will take place at 1 p.m. April 7 in building 409, stairwell A. Col Lee Wight, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, will read and sign a Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation during the celebration. The Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation will then be presented during the Month of the Military Child Block Party at 10 a.m. April 25 in the Skelton Memorial Fitness Center by Mara Wight. Throughout the month a child abuse prevention information display table will be set up at the Spangdahlem Library. In addition, a Shaken Baby Syndrome display will be set up from April 13-17 in Flight Medicine, building 161 and then on the second floor and April 20-24 in the Family Practice Clinic, Building 137. Child abuse comes in many forms, each with unique symptoms. Ms. Diaz advises Sabers to be aware of the following warning signs: Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child: · Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones or black eyes · Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school · Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home · Shrinks at the approach of adults · Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver: · Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child's injury · Describes the child as "evil," or in some other very negative way · Uses harsh physical discipline with the child · Has a history of abuse as a child Consider the possibility of neglect when the child: · Is frequently absent from school · Begs or steals food or money · Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations or glasses · Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor · Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather · Abuses alcohol or other drugs · States that there is no one at home to provide care Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver: · Appears to be indifferent to the child · Seems apathetic or depressed · Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner · Is abusing alcohol or other drugs Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child: · Has difficulty walking or sitting · Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities · Reports nightmares or bedwetting · Experiences a sudden change in appetite · Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior · Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14 · Runs away · Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver: · Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child's contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex · Is secretive and isolated · Is jealous or controlling with family members Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child: · Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression · Is either inappropriately adult, for example parenting other children or inappropriately infantile frequently rocking or head-banging · Is delayed in physical or emotional development · Has attempted suicide · Reports a lack of attachment to the parent Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver: · Constantly blames, belittles or berates the child · Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child's problems · Overtly rejects the child Family Advocacy offers a variety of prevention programs to help parents who feel their stress or anger issues are becoming harder to control, and they host monthly parenting classes. A New Parent Support Program is offered through home visitation, as well as free parenting and childbirth preparation classes. In addition, a playgroup takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays in building 404, Stairwell A, at Spangdahlem and from 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays in building 2002 on Bitburg Annex. Give Parents A Break is a monthly program parents can register for to receive free child care on a select day from the Child Development Center on base. "We all have the power to prevent maltreatment," Ms. Diaz said. "Anyone can report suspected child abuse or neglect to Family Advocacy. Reporting abuse or neglect can protect a child and get help for a family." For more information, contact Ms. Diaz at 452-8279, or after duty hours at 452-6666.