Equip4Peace E-News

Monthly newsletter containing information about training events, resources, stories and "Peace Notes and Quotes"

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Since 1983, April has been designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. According to a 2008 report from the Center for Disease Control, 1,530 children died from abuse and neglect and 905,000 children were victims of maltreatment in 2006. Positive encouragement and support for parents has been shown to lower the risk of child abuse.

Plan today to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals, families, congregations and community organizations to support healthy growth and development of children and families during the month of April by:

• Advertising parenting classes available in your community

• Providing healthy parenting materials

• Encouraging families to sign a "Family Pledge of Nonviolence"

• Creating "Circles of Hope, Circles of Peace" support groups

• Searching the internet for resources and organizations in your state or local community or visiting the following websites:
  2009 Resource Packet
  Prevent Child Abuse America
  Prevent Child Abuse NY
  KidsPeace (downloadable parenting brochures) Participate in a Season for Nonviolence, "a national 64-day educational, media and grassroots campaign dedicated to demonstrating that nonviolence is a powerful way to heal, transform and empower our lives and our communities."
  64 Days/64 Ways to Practice Nonviolence, daily activities that can be used for the Season of Nonviolence, available on the website of the PeaceCenter of San Antonio, Texas.