April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, when we focus on raising awareness and working on community collaboration to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Raising and caring for children can be just as challenging as it is rewarding. When frustrations rise, keep these Key Prevention Strategies in mind:

• Set aside dedicated time to talk and play with children to build a secure, trusting relationship.
• Learn age-appropriate behavior management. Avoid physical punishment and never discipline in anger.
• Teach children correct names for body parts and that they have the right to say “no” to uncomfortable touches.
• Know your child’s friends and activities. Watch for signs of grooming or unusual behavior, especially in digital settings.
• Offer help to struggling parents, such as childcare or emotional support to reduce stress, a major cause of abuse.
• Learn the signs of abuse (e.g., unexplained injuries, behavior changes). Report suspected abuse to the UW-Madison Police Department, Child Protective Services or the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD).
• Demonstrate respectful behavior and establish clear safety rules in your home.

You can learn even more by attending the April University Apartments Assembly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on April 14. Kate Gerstner of the Dane County District Attorney’s Office will join us to talk about what you can do to help prevent child abuse and neglect in our community. Pizza and refreshments will be served.

Jeff Kirchman

University Apartments Community Police Officer 608-264-2677 | jkirchman@wisc.edu

University Apartments Community Center, Room 131