Child Abuse Prevention Virtual Healing Field®- O.U.R.
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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Colonial Flag Foundation has joined forces with Operation Underground Railroad to help end human trafficking and child abuse. Each year approximately 3 million children are reported as abused in the U.S. – sadly, that number is growing.
With the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic spreading around the world, identifying and rescuing abused children has become critical. Child abuse prevention needs support NOW more than ever. Abused children may not be identified since schools, churches and other community support locations are closed. They may be trapped with their abusers due to social distancing along with shelter in place that creates increased tensions and abuse.
Virtual Healing Field® Flag Display Program
Beginning on April 1st through April 30th, 2020 Colonial Flag Foundation along with its partner Operation Underground Railroad will launch a national effort against child abuse. The 2nd Annual Virtual Healing Field® Flag Display allows individuals across the country to stand together in a united effort against child abuse.
For a $10.00 donation, individuals, churches, businesses and organizations can post a flag on a Virtual Map dedicated to ending child abuse. Sponsored flags will be flown on our Virtual Map to raise funds while at the same time inspiring others and showing support in ending child abuse.
Flags may be posted “in memory of” someone and may include a short bio or a short message.
Watch our virtual flag postings fill the virtual map as individuals, communities and organizations across this great nation unite to end child abuse.
Operation Underground Railroad and Colonial Flag Foundation have joined forces to make the Child Abuse Prevention Virtual Healing Field® an online option to raise awareness and funds during April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month. Each organization is active in combating the scourge of child abuse. The need is real, and proceeds will benefit the child abuse prevention programs
About Operation Underground Railroad
Click image to learn more about O.U.R.
Operation Underground Railroad is a 501(C)(3) non-profit founded by Tim Ballard which assists governments around the world in the rescue of human trafficking and sex trafficking victims, with a special focus on children. O.U.R. also aids with planning, prevention, capture, and prosecution of offenders, and works with partner organizations for prevention, victim recovery, strengthened awareness, and fundraising efforts.
Here in the United States, child sex trafficking can intersect with domestic child abuse. When a victim is trafficked by a family member, very often domestic violence is also taking place. Violence in the home can also cause victims to become more vulnerable to being trafficked outside of the home, as both abusers and traffickers use similar tactics, including power and control, to dominate their victims.
Understanding the intersection between domestic child abuse and sex trafficking is extremely important for raising awareness of the realities of what survivors and victims’ face. (Unicef, NRCDV.org)
In the past six years of existence, Operation Underground Railroad has rescued over 3,300 survivors and assisted in the arrests of more than 1,800 traffickers in 25 U.S. states and in 24 countries around the world. The partners they empower have collectively helped the lives of more than 10,000 survivors who were enslaved, exploited or at risk.
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Signs of Abuse
Physical Abuse
Unexplained burns, cuts, bruises or welts, bite marks, swollen or tender limbs, long sleeves worn to hide injures, anti-social, behavior, problems in school and fear of adults.
Emotional Abuse
Depression
Hostility or stress
Eating Disorders
Apathy, hopelessness
Sexual Abuse
Inappropriate interest in or Knowledge of sexual acts, nightmares and bed wetting, soiling, dramatic changes in appetite or behavior, over compliance or excessive aggression, fear of a particular person or family member and expression of suicidal thoughts or desires.
Neglect
Unsuitable clothing for weather
Dirty or un-bathed
Extreme hunger
Lack of parental supervision
Protect your child, every child
- Participate in your child’s activities and get to know your child’s friends.
- Teach children the differences between “good touches”, “bad touches” and “confusing touches”
- Be aware of changes in a child’s behavior or attitude, and inquire.
- Listen when a child tells you he or she does not want to be with someone; find out why.
- Be alert for any talk that reveals premature sexual understanding or knowledge.
- Teach children what to do if they become separated from their parents while away from home.
- Pay attention when someone shows greater than normal interest in your child.
- Make certain your child’s school or day care center will release him/her to only you or someone you officially designate.
- Teach your child the correct names of all their body parts.
- Never discipline children when your anger is out of control.
How to respond to disclosure of child abuse
- Remain Calm – A child may retract information or stop talking if he/she senses a strong reaction.
- Believe the child – Children rarely make up stories about abuse.
- Listen without passing judgment – Most children know their abusers and often have confused feelings.
- Tell the child you are glad that he/she told someone.
- Assure the child that the abuse is not his/her fault
- Do what you can to make certain that the child is safe from further abuse.
- Do not investigate yourself. Call the police or local child protective services.
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In The News
Parents in need of talk support can call the National Parent Helpline at 1-855-427-2736 or the Child Help National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD. To report child abuse or neglect, contact law enforcement or child protective services in your county.
Supporting Families During COVID-19
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/
Types of Child Abuse:
- Child Neglect
- Physical Abuse
- Emotional Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Childhood Experiences
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
- Domestic Violence
- Trafficking & Exploitation
