In Oklahoma County alone, more than 3,000 cases of child abuse are confirmed every year. That number is more than a statistic, it’s a wake-up call for parents, caregivers, teachers and neighbors. During April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, we’re reminded that preventing abuse doesn’t begin in courtrooms or headlines. It starts at home, in classrooms and in community spaces, with adults who are willing to learn, listen and lead.
The most important tool we can give children is knowledge. At The CARE Center, we teach thousands of children a prevention-focused personal safety program called ROAR each year. Designed for children ages four to eight, ROAR teaches body safety in an age-appropriate and empowering way, giving kids the words and confidence they need to recognize unsafe behavior and speak up if something is wrong. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to reinforce these lessons with ongoing conversations at home.
But to help prevent child abuse also means staying alert. Abuse doesn’t always look like bruises. It can show up in sudden changes in behavior, increased anxiety, fear of certain adults or reluctance to go to school. As caregivers, our job is to trust our instincts and never ignore the signs.
So what can you do?
- Start the conversation. Use real names for body parts, talk about boundaries and reassure your child they can come to you about anything without fear or shame.
- Educate yourself. Learn the warning signs of abuse and how to respond if a child discloses something. The CARE Center offers free training for adults, including our Recognizing & Reporting workshop.
- Get involved. Support local organizations working to protect children. Volunteer, donate or simply share resources with friends and family.
You can also show your support by participating in our Paint the Town Blue campaign throughout April. From wearing blue to placing a pinwheel in your yard or sharing prevention messages on social media, small actions can send a big message — that protecting children is a community priority.
Child abuse prevention is not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing commitment to protecting children, empowering families and holding abusers accountable. Together, we can make sure the youngest members of our community grow up in safe, supportive environments where they are heard, believed and protected.
For more information about ROAR, Paint the Town Blue and other programs, visit carecenter-okc.org.
About the Author: Stacy McNeiland is the CEO and Founder of the ROAR Program at The CARE Center, Oklahoma County’s child advocacy center.
