What Child Abuse Prevention Means To Me – A Doctor's Perspective

As a child abuse pediatrics fellow, child abuse prevention is my passion. I have seen the devastating effects that child abuse and neglect can have on children and families. Child abuse prevention involves not only identifying and treating child abuse but also working proactively to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Child abuse prevention means creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow up in. As healthcare providers, this involves educating parents and caregivers on the importance of positive parenting techniques and providing them with the tools they need to care for their children. It also means identifying families who are more at risk for child abuse and providing them with the education, resources, and support they need to prevent it from occurring. As a community, it means addressing the underlying factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect and cause stress and trauma within families such as poverty, substance abuse, and mental health issues.

Child abuse prevention also involves educating the public on the signs of child abuse and how to report it if they suspect a child is being abused. This requires collaboration between healthcare providers, social services, law enforcement, and the community. We also must work with our policymakers to make sure that we are advocating for laws that support stronger and healthier children and families.

Ultimately, child abuse prevention means creating a world where every child is valued, loved, and protected and making a commitment to working with families, communities, and policymakers to create a system that supports children and prevents child abuse and neglect.

Kristin Belsaas, Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellow, PGY4