Manassas Park Community Matters Blog Post - Child Abuse Prevention Month – By Tony Thomas

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child abuse is a topic that many of us prefer not to talk about, however the unfortunate reality is that it is happens more than what most of us realize. Do you know that a report of child abuse happens every ten seconds? How about that every day more than four children die as a result of abuse. Another startling fact is that about 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, further continuing the devastating cycle of abuse. There are several types of child abuse; it is not a one size fits all criteria. There is neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, physiological maltreatment and medical neglect.

I could go on for pages about the damaging effects and statistics that child abuse has, however I want to use today’s column to uplift certain committees and an individual who are doing what they can to eliminate child abuse in Manassas Park and the Greater Prince William Area. Over the past three years, I have had the distinct honor as serving as a representative for Parks and Recreation on a committee that has a mission to eradicate child abuse. The Child Protection Partnership, affectionately known as CPP is made up of local citizens, departments and agencies from across Manassas Park, Manassas and Prince William County. There are about 18-20 active members on the board that meet once a month and we discuss ways that we can positively impact the community and educate parents, caretakers and advocates on the dangers of abuse. Every person on this committee has given countless hours and selfless dedication to help pave the way for a better future for our area’s youth.

Not only is it our goal to educate the public on child abuse awareness; we also celebrate individuals and agencies that have made a positive difference in the life of area children. Previous nominees have been social workers, law enforcement officers and teachers. I am pleased to announce that one of the proud recipients for 2014 is none other than our former preschool teacher and current Recreation Specialist, Sue Jurjevic.  Ms. Sue has been working with kids in Manassas Park for over 10 years, and anyone that knows Sue, knows that it is her passion to see these kids do well and become successful in all facets of life. Sue has touched many people’s lives, and not just the kids in her classes. She has made a positive impact on their parents as well. I can certainly say that we as a Community Center are better off for having Sue working with us. Her dedication and passion for working with kids is shown everyday. For her years of noble service we all are proud of her for this amazing achievement, and feel that the honor bestowed upon her is well deserved.

The theme for this year’s CPP event is “Practicing Random Acts of Kindness”. I like the word practice, because to me practice means something that is done over, and over. It should be repetitive. We should never stop practicing random acts of kindness. There are simple ways that we can pay it forward such as:

• Volunteering at a local school.
• Tie a child’s shoes.
• Connecting parents to resources.
• Clean up and area park or school.
• Leave change in the vending machine.
• But lemonade from a lemonade stand.
• Let the person with children cut in front of you in line.

There are just a few small daily examples that you can do, which could mean a lot to someone else.

In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month you will see blue pinwheels on the grounds of the Community Center on April 24. Blue is the official color of the child abuse prevention initiative; and pinwheels because it is the national symbol for child abuse prevention, in which it reflects hope, health and safety. I ask that you wear blue on April 24 to show your solidarity in preventing child abuse.

If you suspect that a child is being abused you can contact your local police department, social services office or the national child abuse hotline at 1800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

Thank you for taking time to read this, and if you see Ms. Sue at the Community Center, please congratulate on her on being recognized.

Tony Thomas is the Recreation Services Supervisor of the Department of Parks and Recreation. He can be reached at 703.335.8872 or via email at t.thomas@manassasparkva.gov

Community Matters is a blog created by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation. The blog features program updates, announcements of new services, special event notices, or information of general interest.

Facts from this article was referenced from www.childhelp.org/pages/statistics