CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH!!

It is now the wonderful month of April. Spring is in the air, Easter is rushing upon us, lots of sunshine and rain. But April is not just about Easter eggs, bunnies, and warm sunny days, but this is also National Child Abuse Awareness Month. I have decided to put my advocacy against child abuse to use, by campaigning and bringing awareness.
 In the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, child abuse has been at an extreme high. During the month of January, every week a child was being hospitalized or had died from being beaten severely. I have always considered myself an advocate against child abuse because I endured it as a child. I feel as though since I have experienced child abuse first hand, I need to be reaching out and helping those who are dealing with it. I also plan to put together a support group towards those who have dealt with and really don't how to cope.
  Child abuse comes in many forms, not just physical. Verbal, sexual, physical, emotional, neglect towards a child under the age of eighteen are all forms of child abuse and can be detrimental. It effects a child's physical and mental health as well. So many people as well as myself, suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because of the abuse that they endured as a child. Children are supposed to be blessings, that you care for and love on. They are not to be used as a punching bag or someone you take your anger out on because you have rough day at work.
 Starting April 3, 2012 I will be hosting a Q/A Informative session on Child Abuse and Prevention. It will start at ten am and for a full hour I will be giving out information that everyone can use to fight this. I will be giving information on what to do if you suspect a child is being abused, as well as what signs to look for. I will also be answering any questions you may have on child abuse.
 In the meantime here is a small directory on phone numbers and websites you can call, if you suspect abuse is being done to a child. We all are responsible for reporting child abuse!!!

http://www.childhelp.org/

http://www.nationalcac.org/

The Polaris Project-  1-888-3737-888

http://www.childwelfare.gov/

The Child Abuse National Help Line 1800-4-AChild

Please..If you know of a child that is being abused, take advantage of these contacts..

Thank you!!!