Preventing child abuse takes community effort

Breaking the cycle of child abuse in Warren County, so not one more child suffers its life-long effects, is the responsibility of everyone in the community, according to child abuse prevention specialists.

Children’s Advocacy Center workers and District Attorney Lisa Zavogiannis want to stop child abuse in Warren County. A four-week campaign ‘Not One More’ will focus on awareness, prevention, safety, and building better families. This week will focus on prevention.

There is a cycle to abuse. Children learn actions and reactions from their parents and then pass that on to their children. Because of this, many victims will become abusers themselves. However, the cycle can be broken if someone intervenes.

Parents can break the cycle by admitting there is a problem. Parenting is a tough job and there are no perfect parents. If a problem exists, parents can become more aware of times when they are less-than-perfect parents and take steps to change.

Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee offers these tips to handle stressful moments:

‘ Stop in your tracks. Step back. Sit down.

‘ Take five deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.

‘ Count to 10. Better yet, to 20. Or say the alphabet out loud.

‘ Phone a friend or a relative.

‘ Still mad? Punch a pillow or munch on an apple.

‘ Thumb through a magazine, book, newspaper, photo album.

‘ Do some sit-ups.

‘ Pick up a pencil and write down your thoughts.

‘ Take a hot bath or a cold shower.

‘ Lie down on the floor or just put your feet up.

‘ Listen to the radio or your favorite music.

If a bigger problem exists that can’t be handled with these tips, counseling or a support group may be needed. Parents should not be ashamed to seek help from a spouse, pastor, close friend, or an organization.

When no one is available and parents need to talk, they can call the Tennessee Parent Helpline at 1-800-CHILDREN. Helpline counselors are available in English and Spanish 24 hours a day. They can offer supportive listening, information, and referrals for families experiencing problems or stress.

Because abuse is learned, some parents may not know there is a problem. If this is the case, family members, friends, and neighbors can help break the cycle by reporting any suspected abuse.

Child Protective Services takes all calls for suspected child abuse and neglect. Calls can remain anonymous. Reports can be made by calling 1-800-54-ABUSE.

Also, the Children’s Advocacy Center is dedicated to serving children who are victims of sexual and physical abuse through prevention, education and interviews. CAC can be reached at 1-423-266-6918.

Reporting a situation of suspected abuse may protect the child and get help for the family. Once the situation is reported, Child Protective Services, law enforcement and the courts all carry statutory mandates to respond to the concerns of abused and neglected children and their families.

Locally, community-based programs provide placement for abused and neglected children and their parents. Services help children who cannot remain at home safely, parents who need support and training programs, and family members who need health, mental health, and other treatment services.

More tips for handling a child’s temper tantrums, raising teenagers, handling misbehavior, single dads, single moms and dining out with children can be found on the Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee Web site at www.pcat.org.

Zavogiannis will be visiting every school in the Warren County School System this month. On April 29 at 6 p.m. there will be a ‘Not One More’ campaign rally held at the Warren County Administration Building. She, along with several guest speakers, will be available to answer questions.

Child abuse is not a pretty picture. Working together and breaking the cycle of child abuse can brighten any outlook.