Child Abuse Prevention Month promotes intervention Published April 23, 2013 By 2nd Lt. Allanna Jones 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- For the past 30 years, April has been observed as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Despite the increased amount of attention and focus on child abuse prevention, the problem has been gradually increasing over the years. "The current debate is if the cases are actually increasing or if there is an increase in reporting," said Paula Spooner, family advocacy outreach manager. Statistically speaking, most abuse occurs before the age of 3, with children under age 1 at most risk. The biggest factor is that parents aren't properly bonding with their infants. "If people bond with their children, then they are less likely to hurt them," said Spooner. No one can really just pinpoint the exact cause of abuse but research points towards, "Events like increased joblessness, the economy and economic stress," said Spooner. These tend to lead parents to inappropriate disciplinary action toward their children. Neglect is the No. 1 type of reported child abuse, followed by physical and sexual. Children who are abused tend to suffer from depression, anxiety, withdrawal and aggression later in life. "It is often myth that abused children become abusers," said Captain Julianna Petrone, the family advocacy officer. "They can be at risk to fall into a cycle of abuse as adult victims. Many adult survivors of child abuse have a strong motivation to protect their children against what they went through and become excellent parents." Children who have been abused often have: -Difficulty trusting -Sense of shame or guilt -Feeling as though they are "no good" -Relationship problems -Substance abuse -School or occupational struggles -Higher likelihood of chronic health problems such as migraines, gastrointestinal issues, temporomandibular joint disorder, immune disorders -Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder and personality disorders The true focus is to promote prevention and intervention, where a program is set in place to keep children and pregnant women safe. "When we meet with new parents, we don't give them the flawless version of parenting," said Spooner. "We open their eyes to the facts: babies cry, you will not get sleep and all it takes is a shake to hurt your baby." For more information, call family advocacy, 228-376-3457