Hope for Survivors
If you’re a female survivor of child abuse or domestic abuse looking for community, please join us at Conquering the Giants Trauma Recovery Group on MeWe for prayer, encouragement, and hope. 
Awareness. The word of the month nestles neatly among its companions, Child Abuse Awareness.
They are words we’d rather not utter. Words we’d rather avoid or overlook–but too many of us bear the consequence of others disregarding awareness and have the battle scars to prove it. Depression. Chronic illness. Broken relationships.
This is our opportunity to give hope to the children whose wounds are not yet calloused. To stop shrugging off the inclination that involvement is futile, and heed the nagging inner voice that compels us to respond when the woman next door bellows and curses at her toddler day after day or the child in the classroom arrives in the same dirty clothes for nearly a week.
- Child abuse awareness begins with your inner circle. Recognize that abuse is most frequently exacted by family members or trusted individuals. If a child reveals abuse, believe him or her.
- Be cognizant of symptoms of abuse. While physical symptoms of abuse are easily explained away, emotional behaviors indicating abuse are more noticeable. The Mayo Clinic has a short list available here.
- Recognize the link between domestic violence and child abuse. If you are aware of domestic violence in a family, remain vigilant. Research indicates that between 30%-60% of children in homes with domestic violence also experience child abuse. With a substantial increase of domestic violence since the beginning of the pandemic, individuals who have direct contact with children–educators, Sunday school teachers, doctors, and neighbors–must be alert
- Consider hosting an event in your home or backyard. Whether you are sharing about NAASCA or a local nonprofit that promotes child abuse awareness, invite a few friends or colleagues over as part of an awareness event. Ask a speaker from the group to present a short video, share ways in which others can get involved, and enjoy simple appetizers.
- Go live. Hop on Instagram, Facebook, or your favorite social media platform and share a quick message about Child Abuse Awareness month. Ask your friends and family to donate to a cause supporting child abuse prevention and share the information in your feed.
- Become a trainer. If you would like to share information with groups in your area, search for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) training programs. Many are affordable and provide the opportunity to speak at educator conferences, schools, churches, and more.
