Child abuse happens when someone caring for a child intentionally hurts them. Abuse can be physical, sexual or neglect. Learn more about child abuse through KidsHealth or Wisconsin Department of Children in Families.
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
What Is Child Abuse and Neglect?
What is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention?
Prevention refers to the ways we keep kids safe and healthy. We can take on the reasons that abuse or neglect happen to keep it from happening in the first place. This is called primary prevention.
Together, we can build protective factors that strengthen families and communities. At the same time, we must address the factors that put kids and families at risk.
How Can We Keep Kids Safe?
There are ways to strengthen families & communities before abuse and neglect happen. The most effective way to prevent child physical abuse and neglect is to provide support to families. This way children can grow up in an environment that supports their wellbeing.
To prevent abuse, individuals, communities, and society must all commit to doing what’s best for young people. As caring adults, it is our job to be sure children grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.
Why Strengthen Children and Families?
When we support children and families before abuse or neglect happens, we keep them healthier in the long run. Keeping all kids safe and healthy also builds healthier and more productive futures for everyone. This means individuals and society won’t have to deal with the long-term impacts and cost of abuse and neglect.
In 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families found that 2.9 out of 1,000 children in Wisconsin were victims of confirmed child abuse or neglect. This tells us that we need to do more to keep kids, families, and communities safe, healthy and thriving.
How Can I Strengthen My Family and Community?
Strengthen your bond with your children and find the support you need to keep your family safe and healthy. Strengthen your bond with your children and find the support you need to keep your family safe and healthy. These resources help you build a peaceful home and connect with a community that truly cares about you and your little ones.
- 30 Ways to Connect with a Child | En Español
- Family Fun Calendar | En Español
- Family Fun Word Search
- Growing Stronger Families Coloring Sheet | En Español
- Growing Stronger Families Coloring Sheet - African Design | En Español
- Growing Stronger Families Coloring Sheet - Asian Design | En Español
- Growing Stronger Families Coloring Sheet - Native Design | En Español
- Growing Stronger Families Coloring Sheet - Pride Design | En Español
- Growing Stronger Families Coloring Sheet - Latinx Design | En Español
At every age, you can communicate with your child to build your relationship. Use these ideas to start talking.
Parenting can be both rewarding and challenging at every stage. Every parent should have the support they need when they need it.
- Triple P: Positive Parenting Program - Learn practical tools for everyday parenting in the form of online classes, group workshops and one-on-one support.
- Children’s Wisconsin Family Resource Centers - Find support for kids’ healthy development and family strengthening locally.
Physical abuse and neglect can be reduced by supporting and strengthening families. Stopping sexual abuse before it happens will need different actions.
- Safe Programs, Safe Kids! | En Español – Use these questions to ask youth programs what they are doing to prevent abuse.
- Choose Safe People for Your Family – Learn how someone might try to draw close to your or your family to cause harm.
- Talk about child sexual development – The foundation for healthy sexual development begins when kids are babies. Help them learn as they grow!
In Wisconsin, we celebrate Family Strengthening Month in April to highlight how strong families support the well-being of kids.
- A Caregiver's Promise | En Español – Make a commitment to the children in your life to keep your family strong.
- Family Strengthening Month Toolkit – Download the toolkit to learn about activities that programs across Wisconsin can use in April & beyond.
- Family Fun Calendar | En Español – Download this fun-filled calendar to engage in family bonding activities year-round.
- Together for Children Conference – Each year, professionals gather to learn information & skills to improve the prevention, treatment, investigation and prosecution of child abuse and neglect.
It takes a village to raise a child. We’d love to be part of yours. Follow us on Facebook to stay connected!
What if My Child Is Abused or Neglected?
1. If you learn about or suspect abuse or neglect, respond calmly. Remind the child that what happened was not their fault. You don’t need to know every detail to seek help or make a report.
2. Seek help from the police or a local emergency room if you or your child is in immediate danger. Contact the county where you live to report abuse or neglect by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families website.
3. Find support for healing.
The Child Advocacy and Protection Services (CAPS) program at Children's Wisconsin provides comprehensive services, including expert medical evaluations, for children where there are concerns for child maltreatment. Police, a local emergency room, or your provider may refer you to these services.
The Craig Yabuki Mental Health Center at Children’s Wisconsin provides a wide range of mental and behavioral health care for kids from six months old through their teenage years and into early adulthood. Learn more about treatment for abuse and neglect.
What Is PCAW?
Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin (PCAW) is the state chapter of the national organization Prevent Child Abuse America. PCAW builds community resources, provides training and public awareness, and carries out advocacy activities to strengthen child abuse prevention efforts across the state.