April is Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Awareness Month - Are You Aware Of Your Surroundings?
As we step into April 2024 child abuse is still steadily on the rise. Are you aware of the statistics? Now that we have come out of the pandemic, you would think that things would be turning around a bit, but the harsh truth is abuse and neglect are getting worse.
Children all over the world are being abused right this very moment. Think about about that sentence!
As we move forward in our daily lives, children are being neglected, abused, traumatized and sexually assaulted. How is it possible, that in this day and age, it is getting worse instead of better? The news stories are riddled with countless acts of horrific abuse and death of children. One by one we see these sweet faces come across our computer screens, and I know for myself I cringe every single time and say a prayer for these innocent souls that are preyed upon.
If you go to your news feed right now in this very moment you will see another sweet child missing or found deceased. Most of these children are dying by the hands of their own parents or caregivers. The very people that are supposed to be protecting our youth, are actually the ones harming them the most!
How disheartening and disgusting is that to say out loud!
We, as a community and a nation, need to do better. If I had to give our nation a grade for the level of attention and support brought to this subject, I will offer up a D- . Too many children continue to fall through the cracks, and this is unacceptable. Our court systems and child protective services continue to drop the ball over and over again. The time is now for change.
We MUST step up and advocate for our children on a broader level. They deserve better!
All children have a right to have a safe and loving home. They need a strong foundation and a positive circle to guide them. That old phrase “It takes a village to raise a child”, rings so very true. A Strong Village!
What can we do to make changes?
We need to speak out and ask the questions. Always be aware of our surroundings, and most importantly report abuse. The bottom line is we must save the child who is struggling. It is not about protocols, it’s about human life.
REMEMBER: SEE SOMETHING - SAY SOMETHING!
Take the time to educate yourself on the laws in your community and state. Be proactive and advocate for awareness and change of policies. Do your part in making changes happen. Again (and I cannot say this enough) Do not be afraid to ask the questions, because you may be saving a life!
I will continue to be a voice for the voiceless, and I ask that all of you step up and do your part. The children are OUR future and the next generation, we need to lift them up not allow them to be torn apart.
I stand for the children, who is standing with me?
Embrace the Journey,
God Bless,
Lisa Zarcone
Author - Public Speaker - Child & Mental Health Advocate - Social Media Influencer
Massachusetts National Ambassador for Naasca (National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse)
Please check out this article that I wrote about child abuse holds NO gender. All children are at risk.
You can find this BLOG article here on my website:
www.lisazarcone.net
Lisa Zarcone - Advocate