During Child Abuse Prevention Month this year, we’re asking you to paint one of your pinky fingernails blue as a Pinky Promise to represent and raise awareness for the 1 in 10 children who will experience sexual abuse before they turn 18. If people ask you about your painted fingernail – because of course they will! – here’s a few approaches, tips and conversation starters to help them learn more about the issue and join you in becoming a safe, supportive person for the youth around you.
- Know the facts. Over 90% of abuse occurs with someone the child knows well.
- Know how to get help. Call the hotline number at 1-800-25-ABUSE if you observe or suspect child abuse. If you’re a mandated reporter, know your responsibilities when it comes to keeping children safe.
- Make sure the children in your life know how to talk about their bodies. Talk about safe and unsafe touches and why it’s important for children to learn and use the correct anatomical names for our body parts.
- Share ChicagoCAC’s training resources. We offer free or low-cost trainings for parents, child-serving professionals, and community members. Check out our training menu for more information, or sign up for any of our April webinars!
- Be the reason prevention is possible. Educate yourself as well as your children about warning signs of abuse, staying safe online, the importance of consent, and more.
If you join us in our Pinky Promise endeavor during April, be sure to take a photo of yourself and your nails and post it on social media with the hashtap #PinkyPromiseCAPM…and ask your friends to join you!