Learn More About National Child Abuse Prevention Month

By Kate Lange | Development & Communications Director, Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County

During April, Kent District Library joins the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County in recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month, underscoring the critical need for awareness and community involvement in preventing child sexual abuse.

The statistics surrounding child sexual abuse are alarming, with research indicating that one in four girls and one in twenty boys will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The impact of sexual abuse can be devastating, leading to long- term emotional, psychological, and physical consequences for the survivors.

Child Abuse Prevention Month emphasizes the essential role that communities play in creating safe environments for children. Child sexual abuse thrives in silence and secrecy. By raising awareness and fostering open dialogue, communities can break the silence surrounding this issue and decrease stigma associated with disclosing abuse.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County plays a critical part in preventing child sexual abuse by providing resources, support, and education to individuals and communities, particularly through Kids Have Rights™, a school-based prevention program in grades K-4 throughout Kent County.

"We are thrilled to partner with KDL throughout Child Abuse Prevention Month. By coming together as a community and taking proactive steps to prevent child sexual abuse, we can create a world where all children are protected and empowered to thrive,” said Leah Ortiz, President & CEO at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County.

For more information on the Center and how you can support Child Abuse Prevention Month, please visit here.

To learn more about the prevalence of child sexual abuse and its impacts, as well as resources to talk to children about body safety, please check out these items from Kent District Library.

Movies:
● Rewind
● We Need to Talk About Cosby
● Spotlight
● Twist of Faith 

Books:
● Speak
● Know My Name
● No Trespassing: This is My Body
● Your Body Belongs to You
● Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept
● Consent for Kids 
● El Consentimiento (¡para niños!)
● ABC of Body Safety and Consent
● Real Talk About Sex & Consent
● I Said No!
● I’m Glad My Mom Died
● The Body Keeps the Score