CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The aim of this observance is to prevent child abuse and to remember children who have been affected by abuse and neglect. Families and communities are encouraged to work together to increase child abuse awareness.
This year's theme for the Child Abuse Prevention Month is "Strong Communities Strengthen Families." Parents should also do their best for their children to feel safe. The three key points of this prevention month are to be informed, be attentive and be supportive. Parents have to be informed to prevent child abuse, to react if they notice child abuse and to support the community with words and actions.
The World Health Organization defined child abuse as "all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust of power."
Child abuse happens more often than we tend to think. According to WHO, a quarter of all adults report having been physically abused as children. Prevention is very important, because consequences of child abuse can be dramatic. If you witness any forms of child abuse, please call the military desk at your location:
Brussels: DSN 368-9769 or +32(0)2-7179769
Chièvres: DSN 361-5301 or +32(0)68-275301
JFC Brunssum: DSN 606-244-2616/3200 or +31(0)45-5262616
Schinnen: DSN 360-7555 or +31(0)464-437555
SHAPE: DSN 423-3334/3343 or +32(0)65-443334/3343
The U.S. Army Garrison Benelux community will observe by hosting events, which will focus on increasing family cohesion through exercising positive behaviors.
Child Abuse Prevention Month is one of the Family Advocacy Program's initiative. FAP aims at strengthening and improving the quality of life for military families. According to the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation website, FAP's main objectives are to leverage individual and family strengths, overcome behaviors that may contribute to family maltreatment, value family member differences and enhance behaviors that foster healthy military lifestyles. Their services include seminars, workshops and individualized intervention to help people living overseas and raise awareness on child abuse and domestic violence. Their specific programs are free for active-duty service members and their families and are accessible year around.
For more information, please contact USAG Benelux Army Community Service's Family Advocacy Program at DSN 366-6861 or +32(0)6532-6861 (Chièvres and SHAPE), 368-9783 or +32(0)2-717-9783 (Brussels) and DSN 360-7453 or +31 (0)464-437500.
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