Protecting Ohio’s Children: How You Can Help Prevent Child Abuse

By Danielle Vandegriff, CEO/Executive Director, Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers

Reach Danielle at danielle@oncac.org.  

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we hope you will join the Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers along with the National Children’s Alliance in our #ItsYourBusiness campaign. 

Ohio Children’s Advocacy Center Impact

In 2023, Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) in Ohio saw 9,751 children with unique referrals for services including forensic interviews, medical treatment, mental health treatment, victim advocacy, and case management.  Of the cases seen at CAC in Ohio in 2023, 92% of offenders were known to families and child victims, and 61% were family members or significant others. #ItsYourBusiness

To learn more about the Children’s Advocacy Center impacts in Ohio please click here.

What can you do?  Learn the 10 signs of abuse:

1.      Unexplained injuries

2.      Changes in behavior

3.      Returning to earlier behaviors

4.      Fear of going home

5.      Changes in eating

6.      Changes in sleeping

7.      Changes in school performance and attendance

8.      Lack of personal care of hygiene

9.      Risk-taking behaviors

10. Inappropriate sexual behaviors

These signs are not always indicative of child abuse and can be caused by other trauma.  If you notice any of these signs talk to the child about how they are feeling and why; provide them the space to share. 

If you or someone you know needs help, please call: Child abuse hotline 855-O-H-CHILD (855-642-4453).