October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when communities come together to bring attention to abuse and its impact on families and households. While much of the focus is often on intimate partner violence, this month is an opportunity to raise awareness about all types of family violence, including child abuse and neglect, which often go unnoticed until children return to school.

Child abuse includes when a child is experiencing abuse or neglect directly from a family member or caregiver, or when a child is witnessing or exposed to violence in the home. Children can still be deeply impacted by abuse even if they do not witness it directly.

When children are back to school or daycare, reports of abuse and neglect typically increase. This is not because abuse happens more often, but because children are connected to mandated reporters such as teachers, school counselors, and coaches who are trained to recognize and report concerns. These professionals play an essential role in a child’s safety network, often becoming the first to notice when something is wrong and can speak up to give children the help they need.

Common Signs of Child Abuse or Neglect

Child abuse can take many forms: physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect. Pay attention to sudden changes in behavior, unexplained injuries, fear of going home, fear of a parent or family member, visible signs of poor nutrition, constant fatigue, acting out aggressively or becoming quiet and withdrawn, seeming unusually anxious or having frequent absences or tardiness at school. Recognizing these signs and seeking help early, can save lives.

Barriers for Support

For many families, significant barriers still exist when it comes to getting help. Some parents/caregivers, especially those who are immigrants or living in mixed-status households, may hesitate to seek support or report abuse. Fear of deportation, language barriers, and mistrust of systems they associate with immigration enforcement can leave children and adults more vulnerable and isolated. These fears have been heightened recently, causing some parents to be afraid to send their children to school, which not only affects their education and wellbeing but can result in further isolation and lack of reporting.

At The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE), our goal is to remove these barriers by offering free, confidential, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed services, ensuring that every child and family feels safe seeking help. Abuse should never go unreported due to fear. Together, we can create a stronger safety net for children and break the cycle of domestic violence.

CEE also provides free training to school staff and faculty on how to recognize the warning signs of child abuse, respond appropriately, and connect children and families with resources that can keep them safe. When educators and school staff know what to look for, they can make a life-changing difference.

If you or someone you know needs help, CEE is here for you. To learn more about what CEE offers, visit thecenterct.org or call our 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline: 203-731-5206.