It may seem a little late to call attention to at present, but as long as the month of April is still with us let a reminder nevertheless be sounded: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. First recognized as such in 1983, April is a time when awareness is raised to help people recognize the signs of and stop child abuse.

According to mayoclinic.org, abuse may include physical, sexual, emotional, and medical in nature, as well as neglect.

Physical abuse refers to a child being purposely physically injured put at risk of harm by another.

Sexual abuse refers to sexual activity with a child, along with exploitation or exposure to child pornography.

Emotional abuse refers to injuring a child’s self-esteem or emotional well-being. It can include verbal and emotional assault as well, such as constantly belittling or berating a child, but also isolating, ignoring or rejecting a child.

Medical abuse can occur when someone gives false information about illness in a child that requires medical attention, thereby putting the child at risk of injury and unnecessary medical care.

Neglect is defined at mayoclinic.org as “failure to provide adequate food, shelter, affection, supervision, education, or dental or medical care.”

Detecting and stopping abuse requires the involvement of the whole community. Sexual abusers in particular will often ‘groom’ their victims beforehand, so that knowing the signs can help stop abuse that is happening or else prevent it before it starts. For an example of grooming, sexual abusers seek positions of trust and/ or easy access to children, and may let them get away with things their parents wouldn’t and seek time alone with a child.

Children are the future of a community. Through vigilance and care, the future as well as children’s well-being can be better protected. For more information, readers can go to www.childwelfare. gov.