Preventing Child Abuse With Davis House

This week marks the end of Child Abuse Prevention Month, which means this is the fifth and final Davis House article.

Although Child Abuse Prevention Month is ending, the task of preventing child abuse does not.

Child abuse knows no race, social status or economic status. It reaches 1 out of 10 children before they turn 18 years old.

The abuser is usually someone your child knows, not a stranger they were taught to avoid. Abuse is so widespread and many cases often do not come to light.

Davis House believes prevention is the first and one of the most important steps in combating child abuse.

Lindsey Honea, Child Forensic Interviewer and Prevention Outreach Provider for Davis House Hohenwald, Linden and Centerville, said "We have all heard it said that it takes a village to raise a child. In today's age, that still rings true. Now more than ever do we have to take a stand.

"We have more single parents, more working parents, and more kids talking to strangers online than ever before. These things and more can make our kids more vulnerable to abuse."

Davis House reaches out to their communities by providing free educational sessions with any adult/parent, school, child care facility, church, business, youth organization, etc.

The sessions are tailored to fit the needs of each individual organization. Each program offered can be led through discussion, PowerPoint, videos, and/or workbooks.

COVID-19 has temporarily made scheduling an educational program a little more difficult due to the Safer at Home order.

Until they are back in their offices on May 3, Davis House wants you to know that not all children are safer at home.

The number of reported child abuse cases has dropped significantly in the U.S. and it is not because less abuse is happening.

The decrease in the amount of child abuse cases being reported is said to be similar to the summer months when mandated reporters such as teachers, guidance counselors, school nurses, etc., are not able to see the children as much.

People are spending more time in their homes and alcohol sales are on the rise.

In an effort to help community members and parents spot abuse when you see it, Davis House posted a link on their Facebook page to a website called Darkness to Light, where they offer a free training, similar to Davis House, but all online (https://www.d2l.org/education/additional-training/protecting-children-during-crisis/).

Once users log onto the website, he/she can choose from two different programs; Protecting Children During a Crisis and Stewards of Children.

In the Stewards of Children training, readers/listeners are given a five-step plan in how they can effectively prevent child abuse.

The first step is to learn the facts about child abuse.

Davis House mirrors that first step in every approach they take, whether it is a news series like ours or simply a visit to their website.

"We must all know the facts of abuse and do what we can in our homes, churches, businesses, and youth-serving organizations to do what it takes in order to keep our kids safe," Honea said.

The second step is to minimize opportunity.

This can be done several ways including monitoring your child's internet activity, establishing open door policies within your house, making sure your child is never left alone with someone not trusted or they feel uncomfortable with, screening babysitters thoroughly and always check with their references, and more.

The third step is to talk about it. Keeping an open line of communication with your child breaks down barriers and reduces the stigma that goes along with abuse.

For example, talk to them about their bodies and what to do if they ever found themselves in a bad or uncomfortable situation. Make yourself available to them.

The fourth is to recognize the signs.

Although signs of child abuse are not always obvious, there are usually warning signs that something is not right, such as a child's body language.

If a child seems uncomfortable around a certain adult, open up a conversation with the child or get them out of the situation if possible.

The fifth sign is to react to suspicion, disclosure or discovery of child abuse responsibly.

Finding out that abuse has taken place is never an easy thing to hear or deal with. But try your best to react calmly; the child is most likely testing your reaction to see if it is okay to tell you about the situation.

There is always help available. If you're unsure of what to do, you can call the child abuse hotline at 877-237-0004.

Davis House is always open for those who would like to know more and want to take action. The online educational training is also quick and easy to use.

"'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.' It warms my heart when we are asked to present training because I know that they are willing to do something to combat the evil of child abuse," said Honea.