Warren raises awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dan Gage
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Sunday marks the beginning of April and the start of Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout the country, Air Force and in the Mighty Ninety.

Warren members will have the opportunity to learn ways to recognize and respond to child abuse through information booths at the Base Exchange and different events taking place on base.

The first of these events will be held in the Fall Hall Community Center April 13 at 3 p.m. The event will be hosted by the Family Advocacy Program and the Victim Witness Assistance Program, titled "Through the Eyes of a Child - The Littlest Victims."

"Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate," said Glenn Garcia, 90th Medical Operations Squadron outreach manager for Family Advocacy Program. "The purpose of this event is to increase awareness of child abuse prevention and to engage in a community discussion on how we can better respond to this pressing issue impacting our children."

According to Garcia, more than one million children are confirmed victims of abuse every year and three children die a day as a result of abuse and neglect.

Referring to a recent study conducted by the Air Force, Garcia said the top five patterns to watch for in families who may be at risk for abuse or neglect are: a home which is dirty or cluttered, financial problems, the adult couple has been together less than two years, the family is struggling with verbal arguments or other conflicts, or if there is already a history of child abuse and neglect.

"Military families demonstrating these patterns will not automatically abuse their children," Garcia added. "It mostly means they may be at higher risk and should be referred to prevention programs and support agencies on base.

"We cannot ignore these potential early warning signs," Garcia concluded. "There is help available on the installation and in the local community to help families in distress."
For those who have concerns about a possible case of child abuse, there are different options to report either off base or on base.

"If it's outside the gates, the first place you want to go to is the Department of Family Services," said Bonnie Scotto, 90th Missile Wing Victim and Witness Assistance Program coordinator. "There are multiple agencies on base Warren members may contact if the suspected abuse is taking place in the gates. The Family Advocacy Program, Victim and Witness Assistance Program, supervisors and first shirts are all here to help."

If signs of abuse or neglect are reported and found to have truth behind them, there are a number of possible outcomes for those found guilty of the abuse.

"Punishment may range from anything to a Letter of Counseling to an Article 15 and all the way to a possible court martial and discharge," said Capt. Michelle Clark, 90th MW Judge Advocate.

"If the abuse takes place off base by a military member a civilian judicial process will take place," Clark added. "The military member will also face punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice as well."

Signs of abuse or neglect may be difficult to identify, but need to be reported if there is concern.

"If you have concerns you need to go to someone," said Capt. Jeremy Parker, 90th MDOS pediatric doctor. "It could be anyone, there just needs to be intervention.

"Children under the age of 2 make up 80 percent of physical abuse cases," Parker said. "In cases involving bruises, scratches and signs of physical violence, we have to ask questions. If the story doesn't match up to the signs, then an investigation needs to take place. It really comes down to common sense."

According to Parker, children may show signs of sexual abuse, though they may be less obvious.

"Children have a tendency to play," Parker explained. "You may see a child pull another's pants down on the playground, and while this isn't appropriate, it doesn't mean there is reason to be concerned about abuse at home.

"If this goes on to something of a more sexual nature then we need to step in and find out where the child is learning this behavior. This may also apply to inappropriate language as well as inappropriate rough-housing," Parker went on to say.

Please contact the Family Advocacy Program at 773-4228 with any questions or to report suspected child abuse. For suspected cases of abuse or neglect off-base contact the Department of Family Services at 777-7921.