Vice Adm. Dixon Smith, Commander, Navy Installations Command, signed a proclamation in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month, inside CNIC headquarters at Washington Navy Yard, April 1.

This year's campaign, "Children Thrive, When Supervised, Safe and Sound," focuses on active supervision parenting practices and precautions to keep children safe in their homes by removing potentially harmful or dangerous objects and situations.

"Nine million children are injured a year in preventable accidents, and of those 9 million kids, 9,000 of them die in preventable accidents, said Smith. "The Navy averages about 11 child fatalities a year from child abuse."

Speakers urged service members and caregivers to use active supervision of children, ensuring a responsible adult would be accessible and free from distractions.

"We need to take extra precautions to keep our children safe and that starts in the home," said Towanda Jackson, a child abuse prevention advocate. "Active supervision is one of the main attributes that can prevent child abuse from occurring. When a child is engaged in any activities, parents need to refrain from using electronic devices such as tablets, phones or computers and give all their attention to the children."

Smith called for all Navy personnel and their families to participate in the practice of preventing child abuse and to make ourselves, our families and others aware of the resources available.

He added we need to provide a healthy and safe environment for our kids.

According to the Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation, effective child abuse programs succeed because of partnerships created among leadership between social service agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the Navy community recognizing that children deserve our utmost protection and care and, that they have a fair chance to thrive.

The month of April has been declared Child Abuse Prevention Month since 1986 to help service members and their families recognize situations and help prevent child abuse.

For more information on child abuse prevention please visit www.ffsp.navy.mil or www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil

For more information on Commander, Navy Installations Command visit www.cnic.navy.mil