Program seeks to raise awareness on child abuse

When Gov. Jim Gibbons designated April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, he said, "We recognize the many lives that have already been affected by abuse or neglect. The pinwheels planted throughout the state serve as a reminder that each one of us has a responsibility to advocate for child abuse prevention."

The pinwheels are part of the national Pinwheels for Prevention program that seeks to increase awareness about child abuse and neglect in communities across the country. Pinwheels representing each child abuse report filed during the previous calendar year are planted in front of courthouses, government offices, playgrounds, libraries and parks.

This is the second year for Family Support Council to take part in this activity for Douglas County. Throughout the month of April, many businesses will take part in offering their patrons a pinwheel to raise awareness in their own homes, their neighborhoods and throughout Douglas County.

In April, Family Support Council will be offering special parenting classes such as ways to keep their homes safe with children, working through the "terrible 2s," health issues and dental care, asset builders and Better Safe Than Sorry that teaches children to become aware of their boundaries within their surroundings.

The Douglas County Family Support Council holds free weekly classes and workshops on subjects such as blending families through divorce, how to discipline children and toddler activities of music, massage and crafts.

Information at the Family Support Council, 1255 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville, 782-8692

Child abuse FAQs

-- What are child abuse and neglect?

Physical abuse - An injury to a child that is not an accident; may include beating, burning, biting, kicking, cutting, shaking or punching a child.

Emotional abuse - Maltreatment of a child that may involve criticizing, insulting, yelling, swearing, manipulating, rejecting or withholding love.

Sexual abuse - Any sexual contact with a child, including exhibitionism, photographs or films, pornography, prostitution, rape or fondling.

Neglect - Failure to provide for a child's basic physical, emotional, medical or educational needs.

-- Who abuses children?

Most often, the abuser is someone the child knows, such as a parent, relative, neighbor or friend of the family.

-- Where does child abuse happen?

Wherever children are, where they live, sleep, learn or play.

-- How often does child abuse occur?

Each year, close to three million reports of suspected child abuse are filed in the United States. Many more cases never get reported. One victim of child abuse is one too many.

-- Where are Nevada statistics available?

At the Nevada Department of Children and Family Services, dcfs.state.nv.us/DCFS_Sitemap.htm#Reports

Source: Nevada Department of Children and Family Services

On toddlers and literacy

Literacy begins with being exposed to letters, symbols and reading. Making sure children are exposed to books at an early age is very important. Children who are read to at an early age are more successful at learning to read.

-- Read and reread favorite books.

-- Listen to audio books.

-- Record children's voices.

-- Subscribe to children's magazines.

-- Talk to children.