I saved this post for today because I didn't want people to think I was kidding around (on April Fool's Day yesterday) when I talked about two issues that are important. I am choosing this time to talk about the issues because April is the awareness month for both.
Child Abuse Prevention Awareness MonthApril is Child Abuse Awareness Month. Information and education surrounding child abuse is important to me as I am a social worker with Child Protective Services in NC. I am faced with the realities of child abuse and neglect each day on t
he job. I can only speak on the laws that govern child abuse and neglect in NC, but I am sure they are similar from State to State. For NC, the number one thing to remember is that all citizens are mandated reporters, not just those medical professionals, counselors, or teachers. Anyone who suspects child abuse, neglect, or dependency should contact their local Department of Social Services (DSS) to make a report.
For more information on the signs of child maltreatment and steps to making a report, go to the Prevent Child Abuse NC website at
(Click on the Child Abuse Info & Statistics tab and scroll to the bottom of the page)
To learn more about the NC Statutes the govern child abuse, neglect and dependency, go to the NC General Statutes website at
(Under "Look-Up" type in 7B)
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is also sexual assault awareness month. A survivor/victim of sexual assault may find it difficult to talk about or seek help after such a violation to her/his body, mind, and spirit ; however, there are many resources that are available to help those who have been a victim of sexual assault. Again, this issue is important to me as I worked for several years at an agency that provided support, counseling, and safety to survivors of sexual assault and rape. There is help available, and there are people who are ready to hear your story as well as share their own stories in effort to begin the healing process.
For more information about sexual assault and rape assistance resources in NC, go to the NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault website at
Other resources that are located in the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) of NC that offer counseling, support, awareness are as follows:
Interact (Raleigh, NC) - http://www.interactofwake.org
Durham Crisis Response Center (Durham, NC) - http://www.durhamcrisisresponse.org
Orange County Rape Crisis Center (Chapel Hill, NC) - http://www.ocrcc.org
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