April is Child Abuse Prevention Month Published April 7, 2011 By Glenn Garcia Outreach Manager, Mental Health Resiliency Element F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Since 1983, when April was designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month, military installations across the country have used this month-long observance to increase awareness of child abuse and its prevention. April is a time when Air Force Global Strike Command bases and surrounding communities join forces in the battle against child abuse. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than one million children are confirmed victims of maltreatment every year, with three children dying each day as a result of abuse and neglect. In recognition of this threat to children, communities across the country are stepping forward to promote the message that child abuse can and must be prevented. A recent study completed by the Air Force has clearly identified the noteworthy trends and patterns for children and families that may be at risk. Families showing these patterns will not automatically abuse their children. However, it does mean they may be at higher risk and should be referred to prevention programs and support agencies on base. As a military community, we cannot ignore these potential early warning patterns because there is help available on the installation and in the local community to help families in distress. The Family Advocacy Program is the local agency on base responsible for providing services and programs to prevent and address the issue of child abuse. Please contact Family Advocacy at 773-4228 with questions or if needing to report suspected child abuse. Family Advocacy also provides a wide variety of prevention programs to the base population. For a listing of current and future programs available or visit us on Facebook, by searching F. E. Warren Family Advocacy Program. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of F. E. Warren Air Force Base. The top 10 patterns to be aware of in families that may be at risk for abuse include: · Family conflict · Financial difficulties · Blended family (children from past relationships) · Male step-parent or adult who is responsible for child care · Recent change in family composition · History of child abuse or neglect · Infant under 6 months old in the home · Dirty or cluttered or in disrepair · Recurrent verbal arguments · Couple has been together less than 2 years