No Excuse for Child Abuse in North Carolina

During April, which is designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we recognize the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. Community-level collaborations, prevention services, trauma-informed practices, and evidence-based training supports help protect children and ensure thriving families.

In North Carolina, a child is mistreated every 15 minutes by a parent or caretaker. Effects of maltreatment on the social, cognitive, and emotional development of children can have devastating long-term effects on wellness and health, and, in many cases, cause irreparable harm. The pandemic’s remote-learning situation over the last two years may have contributed to elevated reports of child maltreatment.