National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April, 2025
National Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed every April in the United States to raise awareness about the issues of child abuse and neglect and to promote efforts to prevent and address the harm that children experience in abusive environments.
The observance provides a platform to educate the public about the warning signs of child abuse, support services available for affected children and families, and advocate for policy changes to protect children’s well-being.
The month was first recognized in 1983 by the National Child Abuse Prevention Month initiative, which was launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).The observance is part of a broader effort to reduce child abuse and improve child welfare through public education, community involvement, and government action.
The main goal of National Child Abuse Prevention Month is prevention.
The Collective focuses on events and activities throughout the month of April to educate the community about the signs of abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect.
Programs focus on strengthening families by providing resources like parenting education, mental health services, and support for families in crisis. The community is encouraged to provide safe spaces for children, build trust with families, and ensure that there are clear avenues for reporting abuse.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to advocate for stronger laws, better child protection systems, and increased funding for services aimed at preventing abuse and supporting victims.
By raising awareness and taking action during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, our community can come together to prevent abuse, ensure children’s safety, and provide them with opportunities for a healthy and happy childhood.