April is Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Awareness Month - Are You Aware Of Your Surroundings?
As we step into April 2025 child abuse is still steadily on the rise. Are you aware of the statistics?
Child abuse comes in several different forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse. Common signs of child abuse include unexplained bruises, overly aggressive behavior, lack of necessities, and drastic changes in behavioral and eating habits. Unfortunately, child abuse remains prevalent throughout the world, including in the United States. In 2022, there were 558,899 reported cases of child abuse in the U.S., with the most common form of maltreatment being neglect, followed by physical abuse and sexual abuse.
Texas has the highest number of abuse cases reported, and in the number of child fatalities due to neglect and abuse is 1,955 children.
Now stepping into 2025 the numbers continue to rise:
1-4 Girls and 1-13 Boys will be sexually abused and be exposed to violence (these numbers can change due to reporting as less reports come from boys, so that number may be different)
1-5 children in Europe will experience sexual abuse and violence
1 billion children globally will experience trauma, abuse, neglect, sexual assault and violence
These numbers are staggering and things need to change. OUR YOUTH need us to be a strong voice for safety and change.
Now that the pandemic is long over, you would think that things would be turning around a bit, but unfortunately the harsh truth is that abuse and neglect are getting worse.
Children all over the world are being abused right this very moment. Think about about that sentence!
As we move forward in our daily lives, children are being neglected, abused, traumatized and sexually assaulted. How is it possible, that in this day and age, it is getting worse instead of better? The news stories are riddled with countless acts of horrific abuse and death of children. One by one we see these sweet faces come across our computer screens, and I know for myself I cringe every single time and say a prayer for these innocent souls that are being preyed upon.
If you go to your news feed right now in this very moment you will see another sweet child missing or found deceased. Most of these children are dying by the hands of their own parents or caregivers. The very people that are supposed to be protecting our youth, are actually the ones harming them the most!
How disheartening and disgusting is that to say out loud!
We, as a community and a nation, need to do better. If I had to give our nation a grade for the level of attention and support brought to this subject, I will offer up a D- .
Too many children continue to fall through the cracks, and this is unacceptable. Our court systems and child protective services continue to drop the ball over and over again. The time is now for change.
We MUST step up and advocate for our children on a broader level. They deserve better!
All children have a right to have a safe and loving home. They need a strong foundation and a positive circle to guide them. That old phrase “It takes a village to raise a child”, rings so very true. A Strong Village!
What can we do to make changes?
We need to speak out and ask the questions. Always be aware of our surroundings, and most importantly report abuse. The bottom line is we must save the child who is struggling. It is not about protocols; it’s about human life.
REMEMBER: SEE SOMETHING - SAY SOMETHING!
Take the time to educate yourself on the laws in your community and state. Be proactive and advocate for awareness and change of policies. Do your part in making changes happen. Again (and I cannot say this enough) Do not be afraid to ask the questions, because you may be saving a life!
Also, get involved in mentorship programs for youth. They need direction, support and structure in their lives. Mentoring a child or young adult can change a life path.
I will continue to be a voice for the voiceless, and I ask that all of you step up and do your part. The children are OUR future and the next generation, we need to lift them up not allow them to be torn apart.
I stand for the children, who is standing with me? We need to all do better!
I want to leave everyone with this story. Please think about these children, and the reality of what is happening daily in all of OUR communities. These boys deserved so much better.
People saw what was happening, but did not report it.
Here is another devastating story of child abuse. Xavier Williams endured horrific child abuse and sadly died from his extensive injuries. Imagine the pain he was in during the last moments of his life. Also, his younger brother was forced to watch it all unfold. Two lives lost on this dreadful day.
Xavier is no longer here, and his younger brother has to live with those lasting images of his brother being brutally attacked. His road to recovery will not be easy, and he may just NOT make it. We need to pray for him.
These things should NOT BE HAPPENING.
Orlando FL - The boy, later identified as Xavier Williams, had suffered extreme abuse.
“I just feel so awful. It’s just terrible for a child to be so severely abused,” neighbor Vicki Kane said. “This has just weighed so heavily on me to know that a child was being so severely abused a few houses from me.
Boy, 10, dies at hospital after suffering extreme abuse; mom, boyfriend charged with murder
PLEASE STEP UP FOR OUR YOUTH – THE TIME IS NOW FOR CHANGE TO HAPPEN.
Let us embrace the journey together and make this a safe world for all children.
God Bless
Lisa Zarcone
Author – Child & Mental Health Advocate – Public Speaker – Blogger – Social Media Influencer
Massachusetts National Ambassador for Naasca ( National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse)
The Unspoken Truth A Memoir -- The Book of Joann Two powerful TRUE stories shared for purpose, awareness and education.
Below are a few websites that you can view to educate yourself
Child abuse in the U.S - Statistics & Facts | Statista
30 Shocking Child Abuse Statistics & Facts in 2025
Child Maltreatment 2023 | The Administration for Children and Families
National Statistics on Child Abuse - National Children's Alliance
SPEAK OUT