April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and each year at this time, the Family Alliance works to bring to light this frightening and growing problem in our community. We are proud to be a part of the solution through outstanding and proven programs such as The Teen Parent Program, Healthy Families and Parent/Child Nurturing Classes, but there is much more work to be done.

The Family Alliance is calling on the faith community to participate in Blue Sunday, a national effort to engage churches and other communities in this important fight. Blue Sunday is the last Sunday of the month, April 25, 2010 and we ask you to consider a special offering for the work of the Family Alliance.

We also have available special church bulletin inserts, brochures and fact sheets - please just let us know what we can create for you!

To sign-up, please call Darla Owens at (434)845-5944, ext. 239 or send her an email at darla.owens@familyalliance1.org

Recognizing signs of child abuse or neglect:

While no single symptom alone proves child abuse, when symptoms appear repeatedly or in combination, they should cause us to take a closer look.

• Physical signs of abuse - questionable bruises, bites, black eyes—please note that these are not always visible
• Child may seem frightened to go home
• A family history of abuse
• Does the child beg or steal food/money from classmates?
• Is the parent indifferent to the child or blames/belittles the child?
• Is the parent abusing alcohol or drugs?
• Is the child self-destructive or possibly suicidal?
• Does the child shows signs of hypochondria, hysteria, obsessions or phobias?
• Is the child either inappropriately adult-like, or inappropriately infantile?

Child Abuse Hotline - 24 hours
1-800-552-7096

Parenting Information and support line: 1-800-Children

Would you like blue ribbons for your school, church or workplace? Please contact Paul Baldwin at (434)845-5944, ext. 263 or paul.baldwin@familyalliance1.org

Click here for a detailed .pdf file on recognizing the signs of abuse from Prevent Child Abuse Virginia

Prevent Child Abuse Virginia website - an excellent resource of recognizing the signs of abuse/neglect, how to take action

Virginia Department of Social Services' website on Reporting Child Abuse/Child Protective Services

Back to Top