Strong familial, community connections encouraged during National Child Abuse Prevention Month

On March 31, 2017, President Donald J. Trump declared April 2017 to be National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time in which the prevention and recognition of child abuse is placed in the forefront.

“Abuse or neglect can rob children of their sense of dignity and worth, which are indispensable to the pursuit of happiness and success in the classroom, in the workplace and in relationships,” Trump said. “Children rightfully impose a moral obligation on adults, who must protect them from harm and preserve their opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams. They deserve nothing less.”

The motion to dedicate this month to child abuse prevention has been fulfilled since 1983, with the first designation made by President Ronald Reagan. This year’s theme is titled “Building Community, Building Hope” and focuses on topics such as nurturing and attachment, knowledge of parenting and child development, resilience of parents and social connections.

Trump urged for the continued promotion of strong families by the various community members who help to do so. Additionally, foster and adoptive parents, child protective workers, faith leaders, community mentors, teachers and law enforcement officials were honored for their impact on children who have experienced abuse.

To mark the occasion of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Infectious Diseases in Children presents several articles intended to inform pediatricians about various topics regarding child abuse.

Child abuse in US Army may be severely underreported

Recent findings indicated that approximately 20% of child abuse cases among dependents of U.S. Army soldiers were linked to a Family Advocacy Program report, suggesting a need for further regulation of reporting requirements, particularly for children treated in civilian facilities. Read More

Clinicians validate shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma as medical diagnoses

Shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma are acceptable medical diagnoses for child head trauma, according to multidisciplinary physician opinion. Read More

NIH study: History of child abuse may amplify symptom severity in fibromyalgia patients

A history of abuse may amplify some fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain severity and tenderness, according to recently published research by the Divisions of Intramural Research of the National Institute of Nursing Research and the National Institute of Mental Health of the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland and the Georgetown Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science in Washington, D.C. Read More

SBHCs offer crucial mental health services to underserved children

The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, one of the largest investigations ever conducted to assess the effects of trauma on children, found that almost two-thirds of children are at risk for at least one adverse childhood experience, which could cause a multitude of mental and physical health issues across their lifetime. Read More

Maltreatment of Children: A message from Pediatric Annal’s editor-in-chief

This issue of Pediatric Annals focuses on Child Neglect and Maltreatment, with Howard Dubowitz, MD, MS, FAAP, serving as guest editor. Read More

— by Katherine Bortz

References:

White House: President Donald J. Trump proclaims April 2017 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Prevent Child Abuse America: Ringing in Child Abuse Prevention Month 2017