A child's safety is an adult's job. Children are often taught how to keep themselves safe from sexual abuse - and that's important for them to learn - but it's no substitute for adult responsibility. We make sure children wear seat belts. We walk them across busy streets. We store toxic household cleaners out of reach. Why, then, would we leave the job of preventing child sexual abuse solely to children?

Even the adults we trust to protect children can't always be trusted. Coaches, teachers, clergy, doctors and parents are authority figures children feel they can trust. Yet, a large percentage of those who sexually abuse children are from this group. These are adults who have the opportunity to "groom" children with affection and attention, making it difficult for children to identify certain behaviors as abuse. And they know that children have been taught to "mind" them. This is why programs that focus on adult responsibility are essential.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call the HELP LINE at 1-800-CHILDREN. You can report your suspicions anonymously. You may also call your local police department. Child abuse and neglect is preventable. Prevention efforts must begin at the local level, since child abuse is a community problem. We know how to prevent child abuse, but there simply is not enough money to provide the necessary programs and education. Treatment for victims and their families is essential to stopping abuse once it has occurred. Abused children often grow up to be adults who abuse their children, and the vicious cycle continues.

Prevention starts by raising awareness about the horrible problem of child abuse and neglect. GET INVOLVED! Report child abuse and neglect when you suspect it.

We must provide education and support for parents before they fail. A colicky baby, two year old temper tantrums, problems in school, and rebellious teens can be difficult to deal with. Lack of parenting skills is a major factor in child abuse and neglect.

Child abuse appears in many forms......physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect.

Volunteer your time to help children and families in your community, and raise awareness about child abuse and neglect. Make a donation to support child abuse prevention programs.

Advice for new Moms and Dads:
Being a parent is the most difficult, yet most important and satisfying work you will ever do. During the busy and exciting days that make up the first weeks of parenting, remember to take good care of yourself as well as the new baby. Here are some tips on how to survive the early weeks with the new baby:

• Get as much rest as possible. Sleep when the baby sleeps, and moms and dads take turns sleeping late on weekend mornings.
• Eat nutritious meals. If a neighbor or friend offers to help, ask him or her to bring you dinner or do your grocery shopping.
• Join a parenting group. You will learn about caring for your baby, and you will meet other parents who share your interests and concerns.
• Don't expect too much from yourself. Housework won't always get done, but eventually you will get back to a routine.
• Call your doctor or clinic with any questions or concerns you may have. This will save you from needless worry.
• Visitors can be helpful, but don't let them interrupt your rest or your family time together.
• Dads -- don't let mothers have all the fun. Spend lots of time caring for and playing with your baby. The rewards are great!
• If you have older children, be sure to let them know every day that you love them.
• If you find yourself getting frustrated and angry with your baby, call for help. Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to take care of the baby while you take a break.

Parents: Twelve Alternatives to Lashing Out at Your Child
The next time everyday pressures build up to the point where you feel like lashing out -- STOP! Try any of these simple alternatives. You'll feel better... and so will your child.

• Take a deep breath... and another. Then remember you are the adult.
• Close your eyes and imagine you're hearing what your child is about to hear.
• Press your lips together and count to 10... or better yet, to 20.
• Put your child in a time-out chair (remember this rule: one time-out minute for each year of age.)
• Put yourself in a time-out chair. Think about why you are angry: is it your child, or is your child simply a convenient target for your anger?
• Phone a friend.
• If someone can watch the children, go outside and take a walk.
• Take a hot bath or splash cold water on your face.
• Hug a pillow.
• Turn on some music. Maybe even sing along.
• Pick up a pencil and write down as many helpful and positive words as you can think of. Save the list and read it to yourself everyday.
• Call for prevention information: 1-800-CHILDREN

Ten Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse:

• Be a nurturing parent.
  Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams.
• Help a friend, neighbor or relative.
  Being a parent isn't easy. Offer a helping hand take care of the children, so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.
• Help yourself.
  When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control – take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.
• If your baby cries…
  It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying. Never shake a baby – shaking a child may result in severe injury or death.
• Get involved.
  Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.
• Help to develop parenting resources at your local library.
• Promote programs in school. Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.
• Monitor your child's television and video viewing.
  Watching violent films and TV programs can harm young children.
• Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program.
  For information about volunteer opportunities, call 1.800.CHILDREN.
• Report suspected abuse or neglect.
  If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call your local department of children and family services or you local police department.