Kadena observes National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month Published April 3, 2012 18th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- This April marks the 28th annual observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, a time dedicated to child abuse education, awareness and prevention activities. In observation of this month, Okinawa's military leadership signed a proclamation supporting the declaration of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month here and the 18th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy office has several events planned. During the month of April, the family advocacy clinic will be available to provide child abuse prevention briefings upon request, as well as have a variety of educational materials available to help educate base agencies, families and individuals on how to prevent child violence and neglect. They have scheduled a 5K run in collaboration with the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator office for April 13 at 6 a.m. at the Risner Fitness Center, in awareness of child abuse and sexual assault prevention. They will also have an activity and information table at the Earth Fest April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind the Risner. "Child abuse prevention is everyone's responsibility. It hurts all of us," said Valerie Seitz, 18th MDOS Family Advocacy outreach manager. "Join us in our effort to put a stop to child abuse by taking advantage of information or briefings provided by Kadena's Family Advocacy program. You can also show your support and promote awareness by wearing a blue ribbon, which is the national symbol for child abuse prevention. Family advocacy will have blue ribbons available throughout the month of April in an effort to raise awareness for preventing violence against children." According to national child abuse statistics, over three million reports of child abuse are made every year in the United States. In 2009, approximately 3.3 million child abuse reports and allegations were made involving an estimated six million children. According to general statistics retrieved from the United States Government Accountability Office, a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds and more than five children die every day as a result of child abuse. "The Air Force needs strong, healthy families," Seitz said. "The family advocacy program's goal is to help reduce the incidence of family violence and can help if violence or abuse does occur. But we can't do it alone. Help us stop abuse and neglect by taking advantage of the family advocacy prevention programs and other family support programs. We offer a variety of information, seminars, workshops, and counseling to help to deal with problems before they become overwhelming." For more information, please contact family advocacy at 634-0433.