What will YOU do to prevent child abuse?

  • Published
  • By Julie Pinchak, LCSW
  • Family Advocacy Outreach Manager
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Child Help USA reports that, "in 2007, approximately 5.8 million children were involved in an estimated 3.2 million child abuse reports and allegations," ultimately costing America $104 billion. During the month of April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, there are campaigns across the nation to raise awareness of these crimes against our children.

"South Salt Lake woman admitted to fatally beating her 5 yr old last year (July 27, 2010) ..."www.sltrib.com; 18 March, 2011

Every April, Family Advocacy Programs across the Air Force join many other military and civilian organizations to focus efforts to prevent child abuse. In conjunction with the national theme, Pinwheels for Prevention, we pledge to help Hill Air Force Base families find new ways to cherish our children. You are part of Team Hill and you have a responsibility to do your part. What will YOU do?

16 March 2011 ... "on December 31, 2009, Department of Child and Family Services responds to a Vernal residence on allegations that a child wasn't receiving proper medical treatment. They found a mother who abused her 6 children, including using a hammer to beat them, and hanging her then 5 yr old son over the door by his feet for days..."www.KSL.com for www.deseretnews.com; 16 March 2011

Military children have a resiliency beyond belief. In our busy lives where 12-hour shifts, soccer practice, illness, squadron functions, homework and other activities take priority on a daily basis we need to remember to CHERISH our children.
  • Celebrate their small accomplishments. Each and every day find something to celebrate about a child in your life.
  • Hug them every day. Start and end the day with a hug.
  • Engage their imagination; they will take you on a journey.
  • Read bedtime stories.
  • Imagine the possibilities of their potential.
  • Stop and listen, you might learn something.
  • Honor thy child.
Join Family Advocacy on Facebook every day during the month of April. We will provide you with simple ways to cherish a child in your life. Like us at "Hill AFB Family Advocacy and New Parent Program."

During the month of April your Family Advocacy Program will be doing its part in bringing awareness to child abuse. We pledge to catch your attention with our monthlong media campaign, add to your skills with our parenting programs, reduce parenting stress through home visitation, and continue to offer opportunities to play in our play group. If you are interested in having us come to your location please call me, Julie Pinchak, at (801) 586-9189 to schedule your event. April events open to Team Hill members include the following:
  • "Shake Our Baby" simulator at various sites and times near you, more information contact Julie Pinchak (801) 586-9189.
  • "Honor Thy Children," at various times and sites, and by invitation to your group's meeting, contact Julie Pinchak (801) 586-9189.
  • Play Group, April 14, 21 and 28, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Youth Center, for information contact Ann Guillory at (801) 777-0634.
  • 123 Magic Parenting Program, April 15 and 22, Family Advocacy Program, information, Julie Pinchak (801) 586-9189.
  • Managing Problem Behaviors, April 14, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Airmen and Family Readiness Center, information and registration (801) 777-4681.
  • Child Passenger Safety Seat Inspections, April 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., in back of the Child Development Center, information contact Julie Pinchak (801) 586-9189 or the CDC (801) 777-6321.
Col. Donald Hickman, 75th Medical Group commander asked for support on this issue. "I ask that you support the efforts of Family Advocacy and foster resilience in our families by reporting suspected child abuse and neglect," he said. "If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, contact the Family Advocacy Program at (801) 777-3497 so they may assess the situation and determine appropriate actions."

Finally, programs offered through Family Advocacy Program are here to encourage continued resilience and are appropriate for all families, not just families that are struggling. Family Advocacy prevention programs are open to Team Hill members. For other resiliency based programs please visit the Integrated Delivery System calendar at www.hill.af.mil.