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Children hold the greatest potential of ensuring the strongest future for Alaska and as stewards of children, adults have a shared obligation to foster and protect them. This means ensuring families gain the knowledge, skills, supports and resources they need to create a safe, stable and nurturing environment for children.
Most children grow up with the supports needed to remain safe and develop the social and emotional tools to become a contributing member of society. Unfortunately, many do not. Thousands of cases of child abuse and neglect are substantiated each year. Nearly 45% of these children are under the age of 4.
These statistics are unacceptable and we need to shore up the way we support families. The first thing we can do is to believe we can make a difference in a child’s life that is struggling. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and I dare you to be the one — the one who makes a difference in a child’s life. All it takes is one caring adult to change a child’s trajectory.
Dare to be the one to listen. Many children don’t disclose their abuse because they don’t think they will be believed. Plus, their abuser most likely told them they would get into trouble if they shared. What the adults around them say about allegations, in person or on social media, may make this fear worse. When a child talks about their pain, listen and make them feel heard. And most of all, believe them and become their voice.
Dare to be the one to believe. So often, when a child discloses their abuse, an adult does not believe them or finds an excuse to write the situation off as a misunderstanding. If a child discloses to you, believe them and immediately report it so trained investigators can determine the authenticity of the disclosure. Report suspected child abuse to 1-800-478-4444 or reportchildabsue@alaska.gov.
Dare to be the one to support families. Now more than ever, families need our help. Parents who have access to supports are less likely to abuse their children. For the last year, children and their parents have been separated from many of their supports due to COVID-19. You can provide the support to a parent in need. Ask the parents in your life if they need help. Offer to babysit, drop off some cooked meals, go grocery shopping for them, or simply ask if they could use a chat. Small gestures can be a lifeline to parents during difficult times.
Dare to be the one to learn. There may come a time in your life when you witness a critical moment. Being informed can make all the difference. Learn the signs and symptoms of child abuse, as well as where to report. Learn what you can do to support a parent in crisis or support families in general. These life skills may one day save the life of a child near to you.
Dare to be the one to heal. Child abuse statistics in Alaska have been grim for decades. The children experiencing abuse 20, 30, or 50 years ago are now adults carrying a heavy burden. It is a burden that is too heavy to carry alone. If you’ve been abused and you find yourself struggling, reach out for help and allow yourself to take space for your own healing. Remember, healthy adults create healthy children and healthy communities.
Dare to be the one to be a voice for children. Policies and systems can either create the environment to prevent or perpetuate child abuse and neglect. Alaska ranks 36th in the nation for child wellbeing and has been consistently in the bottom half for over a decade. Our children are hurting and our families are suffering. Plus, the State of Alaska spends 12.5% less on children now than it did 10 years ago — $400 million less annually. Be the one to lend your voice and speak up for children to our leaders. Encourage them to remember the impacts of child abuse when working for the future of our state.
Dare to be the one to spread the word. Preventing child abuse and neglect doesn’t end at the end of April. Throughout Prevention Month and beyond you can help educate the community and inspire people to make a difference by spreading awareness.
We at Alaska Children’s Trust dare you to be the one to ensure Alaska’s children and families are thriving. Learn the signs of abuse and how to prevent it, report it when you suspect it, and seek help when you have been victimized by it. Learn how to recognize moments of crisis and how to intervene. Support public policy efforts that aid families and offer families your personal support. And continually raise awareness of the importance of investing in children and youth. Putting an end to child abuse and neglect can seem like an overwhelming endeavor, but if we all dare to be the one to get involved, we can create a safer and healthier world for our children. Speak up. Make a difference.
Children make up 25% of Alaska’s population — 100% of our future. Together, we can prevent child abuse and neglect. Dare to be the one.
Maleah Wenzel is a Community Resilience Fellow with the Alaska Children’s Trust.
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