Family Advocacy to host Child Abuse Awareness Month events

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Edwards Family Advocacy office, in conjunction with other agencies on base, is hosting various activities to raise awareness on child abuse. 

Team Edwards is devoting the month of April as Child Abuse Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families. 

Family Advocacy is kicking off the prevention month with an information booth at the Base Exchange during the first week of April. 

"We will provide a lot of information to keep people aware that child abuse exists and that there are agencies on base that will help," said William Sweeney, 95th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy outreach manager. "Awareness efforts are always in need. I believe Thomas Jefferson said 'The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.' The same goes for child abuse." 

Team Edwards must always be aware of the signs of abuse and do everything they can to prevent it, Mr. Sweeney said. This is also the reason why the prevention classes at Family Advocacy are so important. They teach people skills and ways that are alternative to violence. 

According to Family Advocacy, child abuse can be excessive punishment that leaves bruises and marks. It can also be neglecting a child's basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter. 

"A pattern of yelling, screaming and humiliating a child, even if you do not physically touch them, is emotional abuse," Mr. Sweeney said. "Unfortunately, there is also child sexual abuse and statutory rape. So with both child and adult abuse, we can see physical, emotional, sexual abuse as well as neglect issues." 

As part of the prevention month, Family Advocacy, Airman's Council and the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator are hosting a fun run April 17, at 7:15 a.m., in the Rosburg Fitness Center. The Family Advocacy is also sponsoring an ice cream social, to celebrate Child Abuse Awareness Month and Month of the Military Child.  

Mr. Sweeney said everyone should be involved in trying to prevent child abuse. 

"Abuse is a major problem and is inconsistent with the values of the Air Force," Mr. Sweeney said. "The more people there are who are aware of abuse, when to report it and how we might prevent it, has a profound effect on our entire society." 

In addition, Family Advocacy offers parenting classes, communication classes, stress and anger management techniques to active duty and civilians. They also offer DAD's 101 Class, which is a group run by a dad who teaches new fathers how to handle a new child. The next DAD's Class is on the April 15 and 22, from 12 to 1 p.m., at building 3925.

For more information, or to sign up for any of our classes please call Family Advocacy at 277-5292.