April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. It is a call for every Christian to see what is often hidden, to understand what is often misunderstood, and to step in where many have stepped away. 

The Reality 

The reality is difficult to ignore. At least 1 in 7 children in the United States experience abuse or neglect each year, and that number is likely underreported. Hundreds of thousands of cases are confirmed annually, and many more go unseen. These are not just statistics, they are children with names, stories, and futures that are deeply impacted by what they have experienced. 

What makes this even more challenging is that most abuse does not happen in obvious or public ways. In many cases, it happens within relationships that were supposed to be safe. That means prevention cannot just be reactive, it must be relational and proactive. 

Awareness should lead to action. When we understand the signs of abuse, we are more equipped to recognize when something is not right. When we understand the impact of trauma, we are more likely to respond with compassion instead of judgment. And when we understand our role, we begin to realize that prevention is not just for professionals, it is for all of us. 

So what can we do? 

• • We can start by being present. Children who have safe, consistent adults in their lives are significantly less vulnerable to ongoing harm.  

• • We can support families in distress before they reach a breaking point.  

• • We can educate ourselves in trauma-informed care so that we respond wisely, not reactively. 

• • When something seems off, we can speak up. 

At Advance the Faith, this is at the heart of what we do in our work with foster youth. We believe that consistent relationships, truth spoken over identity, and a faith-centered foundation can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. We are not just addressing problems; we are building something stronger in their place. 

The reality of child abuse is heavy, but it is not without hope. 

Every safe adult matters. Every relationship matters. Every moment of courage matters. 

You may not be able to change everything, but you can change something. And for one child, that can mean everything. 

You can make a difference by becoming a partner with us through volunteer opportunities or supporting the work financially. Check out our work in Florida and learn more today. 

If you or someone you know needs help:   

•      National Child Abuse Hotline (24/7): Call or text 1-800-4-A-CHILD 

• • Child Welfare Information Gateway (DCF resources): https://www.childwelfare.gov 

• • Prevent Child Abuse America: https://preventchildabuse.org 

• • If a child is in immediate danger, call 911