April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Additionally, at the request of The Parent Child Center of Tulsa (PCCT), Mayor GT Bynum has proclaimed April 2019 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Tulsa.
The Parent Child Center of Tulsa will spread child abuse and neglect awareness by installing 2,685 pinwheels on the lawn of our downtown office located at 1421 South Boston. There were 2,685 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in Tulsa County in 2018. In addition, our building will be illuminated with blue lights for the entire month of April, and blue ribbons will be placed on trees on our property as well as around the city.
PCCT’s President & CEO, Regina Moon, states, “Child abuse and neglect are important issues in our community. Children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of Oklahoma. We know that together as a community we can decrease child maltreatment, and we must make every effort to promote programs and activities that create strong and thriving children and families.”
Experts agree when parents have support from family, friends and neighbors, as well as have access to community resources designed to strengthen families, caregivers are better able to provide safe and stable homes for their children. PCCT encourages Tulsa citizens to become crusaders for kids by:
- Educating yourself and others. Simple support for children and parents can be the best way to prevent child abuse. After-school activities, parent education classes, mentoring programs, and respite care are some of the many ways to keep children safe from harm. Be a voice in support of these efforts in your community.
- Knowing the signs. Unexplained injuries aren’t the only signs of abuse. Depression, fear of a certain adult, difficulty trusting others or making friends, sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor hygiene, secrecy, and hostility are often signs of family problems and may indicate a child is being neglected or physically, sexually, or emotionally abused.
- Reporting abuse. If you witness a child being harmed or see evidence of abuse, report the harm to OKDHS by calling 1-800-522-3511. When talking to a child about abuse, listen carefully, assure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling an adult, and affirm that he or she is not responsible for what happened.
- Investing in kids. Encourage leaders in the community to be supportive of children and families. Ask employers to provide family-friendly work environments. Ask your local and national lawmakers to support legislation to better protect our children and to improve their lives.
- Placing a blue bow on a tree in your yard to show support for kids.
CLICK HERE to download a CAP Month flyer outlining how you can get involved!
CLICK HERE to view coverage of PCCT CAP Month pinwheels on News on 6 – Tulsa, Channel 6.
