Who is doing something about child abuse?
In 1974, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) was passed. This was the first time that child abuse was nationally recognized as a problem. In 1982, June 6-12 was declared National Child Abuse Prevention Week. The following year, April was proclaimed National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Who knew, right? Since CAPTA was passed, there have been many programs and procedures implemented to combat child abuse. There are early childhood programs, home visits, family resource centers, parent education groups and numerous support groups. The main goal of the government is not to find other homes for these children, but to educate and support the families in a way that fosters a happy home environment. In addition to the government, many private organizations help to prevent child abuse. These organization also provide education, family support and counseling. Many times, the child abuser was abused as a child and therefore is repeating the cycle. It is these organizations job to break that cycle and give the next generation a chance for a better life.
