How Child Abuse Effects Native American Communities - Prevention Tips
Over the last two blogs, we have discussed how child abuse and neglect effects the American Indian and Alaska Native population in the United States. We also determined a few factors that make the Native American population at a higher risk than other races for child abuse and neglect. Today, we will focus on preventative measures to help reduce the number of children who suffer from child abuse and neglect nationwide.
One of the first steps that we can take to prevent child abuse and neglect is to recognize the signs of abuse. Though evident injuries can be a major indicator of abuse, they are not always present. Other warning signs including a constant fear of specific people or places, inappropriate sexual behavior for a child’s age, poor hygiene, and evident hostility can also be major signs there may be abuse or neglect present in a child’s life.
On a similar note, education is another important resource in the child abuse prevention toolbox. Educating yourself and others can be crucial in child abuse prevention. More importantly, these education efforts should extend to children as well. Educating children ensures that they know of their rights, how to recognize abuse, and lastly it lets children know that if they suffer from abuse, it is never their fault. In Riverside County, there are many social services programs including the HOPE Collaborative who put on many child abuse education and prevention programs for both adults and children throughout the county.
Lastly, examine your own behavior. Often, many behaviors that may deemed as abusive is passed down historically throughout generations of parenting. Though we may not immediately recognize these behaviors as abusive, they might have lasting effects on our children. It is okay sometimes as a parent to take a pause and step away before discipling your child to think of ways to encourage good behavior rather than punishing the bad behavior. Though there is no handbook to being a good parent, small yet positive changes can have lasting impacts for the children in your lives.
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