Every April, Catholic parishes and schools across the United States participate in National Child Abuse Prevention Month
 
Tragically…

• 1 in 7 children experience child abuse or neglect each year
• In 2022, there were nearly 560,000 victims of child abuse and neglect in the US
• In 2022, it is estimated that approximately 1,990 children died because of abuse
• Child abuse can lead to mental health issues, chronic illnesses, and substance abuse
• Child abuse occurs in every culture and among all socio-economic demographics

How Can I Help?

• Pray for victims of abuse and neglect, for healing and for the end of all abuse
• Learn the warning signs of abuse and how to report your concerns
• Learn what you can do to help prevent abuse
• Light a candle at church in honor of all victims
• Include prayers for those impacted by abuse in prayers of the faithful at your church
• Include announcements about abuse prevention in parish bulletins
• Attend a Protecting God’s Children training and bring a friend

 
“It takes a village” or in this case a parish or a school to keep our kids safe and stop child abuse.  There is no such thing as too many people educated or too many people praying. Everyone who knows how to keep kids safe is one more person who is watching and maybe one more child who won’t be abused or will be freed from abuse.  

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Child Advocacy at [email protected] or call 617-746-5985. Thank you for your efforts to keep all children safe and help provide healing ministry to those in need!