April has been designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month to help raise awareness of this preventable issue. Child abuse is doing something or failing to do something that results in harm to a child or puts a child at risk of harm. Child abuse in all forms is universally being found in all cultures, societies, nationalities, demographics, and economic groups. If a child is in danger, an adult must intervene to save the child.
Although the topic of child abuse is difficult, it is crucial to know the signs so that we can work together as a society to prevent it. A child who’s being abused may feel guilty, ashamed or confused. He or she may be afraid to tell anyone about the abuse, especially if the abuser is a parent, relative, or family friend. Signs of child maltreatment may include the following: sudden changes in behavior or school performance; watchful as though preparing for something bad to happen; shows up to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home; is reluctant to be around a particular person; is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn; is depressed, or has low self-esteem.
For many children, abuse is all they are used to. Uninterrupted, this behavior may pass from generation to generation. True child protection starts with you. It comes from an awareness of, garnering knowledge about, and understanding what comprises child abuse. It comes from a willingness to act when we see or suspect abuse. It comes from remembering that child abuse is not something that just happens to other people’s children. It can happen to our children too. Anyone can report suspected child abuse anonymously by contacting your local Child Protection Service Office, calling the Mississippi Hotline Number at 1.800.222.8000, online at https://reportabuse.mdcps.ms.gov, or if in immediate danger, call 911.
The US Department of Health and Human Services: The Children’s Bureau and Office of Administration for Children and Families’ Child Maltreatment 2023 Report revealed nationally 546,159 victims of child maltreatment and 2,000 died from abuse. In February 2025, the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services reported 2,283 open safety investigations, 3,545 children received in-home services, and 4,062 children were in custody statewide.
To help raise awareness, SOSD Discovery Center has scheduled multiple events. For more information, please check out our Facebook page at SOSD Discovery Center or contact Barbara Culberson at 662.615.0033 or email at bculberson@starkvillesd.com. Remember, the abuse of children survives and thrives on silence. Break the silence!
