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Month of the Military Child: 'Keep Them Safe'

08 May 2017

From Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Mai, USS George Washington Public Affairs

President Donald J. Trump proclaimed the month of April as the National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
President Donald J. Trump proclaimed the month of April as the National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

In the early 1980s, Congress recognized the need for innovative programs to prevent child abuse and neglect and to assist parents and families affected by maltreatment.

"Child abuse and child neglect continue to threaten the lives and health of over a million of our Nation's children," wrote former President Ronald Reagan in his original proclamation in 1983. "Their physical suffering and emotional anguish challenge us, as parents, as neighbors, and citizens, to increase our attention to their protection and intensify our efforts to prevent their maltreatment."

According to childhelp.org, an estimated 1,580 children died as a result of abuse and neglect in 2014.

"Children are our future," said Engineman 3rd Class Kristine Carey, a Sailor assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). "It's important to protect them and be able to recognize when they need help."

The many forms of abuse children face are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, emotional abuse and physical neglect.

"Children may be endangered by physical battering, denial of the basic necessities for life and health, sexual abuse and exploitation, or emotional cruelty," wrote Reagan. "Public concern can help prevent maltreatment and help protect children. Action taken after cruelty has occurred is often too late."

Approximately 80 percent of the perpetuators in child abuse cases were a parent. According to nctsn.org, most of the child abuse cases come from preventable conditions and situations that can be preventable when community programs and systems are engaged and supportive.

"Sadly, mistreatment by parents, guardians, relatives, or caregivers all too often threatens children's ability to flourish," wrote Trump in this year's proclamation. "Abuse or neglect can rob children of their sense of dignity and worth, which are indispensable to the pursuit of happiness and success in the classroom, in the workplace, and in relationships."

Child abuse and neglect have been linked to numerous factors such as shorter life expectancy, reliance on substances, and chronic health conditions such as ischemic heart disease or liver disease.

"Children rightfully impose a moral obligation on adults, who must protect them from harm and preserve their opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams," wrote Trump. "They deserve nothing less. The dreams of our children are the future of this country."

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, contact 1-800-422-4453.

Join the conversation with GW online at www.facebook.com/USSGW and www.twitter.com/GW_CVN73.


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