April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. Please review and implement the following list of tips in your efforts to help empower communities in the fight against child abuse.

• Encourage families to engage in activities that strengthen their ability to demonstrate healthy interaction each and every day.
• Offer your support to a parent by asking how their children are doing or offer your assistance with childcare if they appear to be struggling.
• If a parent needs to vent, listen with an empathetic ear and provide healthy solutions.
• Offer to run errands for a parent that appears to be overwhelmed.
• Praise children to enhance their ability to feel loved and protected.
• Talk to residents in your neighborhood about looking out for one another’s children to encourage a support amongst parents in your community.
• If you know that a child is being abused, report it immediately even if you must do it anonymously.
• Wear a Blue Ribbon this month to help other be aware and to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
• Educate others about the Blue Ribbon and encourage them to wear one as well.
• Organize a community outreach campaign to distribute Blue Ribbons in your community, your job, your children’s school, place of worship and your loved ones. Encourage others to do the same.