April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Mahoning Valley is determined to protect children even during this coronavirus crisis.

Child abuse is considered an epidemic in the United States, with a case reported every 10 seconds, according to Mahoning County Children Services. MCCS urges people to check in on families and friends and be alert to not only the physical signs but also the behavioral signs of abuse.

The physical signs to look for include injuries such as burns, bruises or black eyes as well as signs of neglect including poor hygiene or malnourishment. The behavioral signs include fear, anxiety, sudden mood swings or changes in behavior, frequent absences or a reluctance to go home.

Other behavioral signs could also include eating disorders, self harm, running away or substance abuse.

MCCS encourages people to take it seriously when a child talks about being abused or if they have suspicions. The agency suggests remaining calm while listening to the child, write down what they say and report it to the police or to the MCCS at 330-941-8888.

Ways to prevent child abuse while staying at home include reducing stress and keeping busy — for example checking in on family and friends, going for a walk, reading or playing board games.

To show support for child abuse awareness, April 8 is Ohio Wears Blue Day. Wearing blue is a statewide awareness campaign that takes place on the second Wednesday of every April for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Another way people can participate is by displaying blue pinwheels at their homes or in their gardens.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, MCCS is not planting its annual Pinwheel Garden in Boardman. The hundreds of pinwheels are displayed to help raise awareness for National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, with each pinwheel representing an individual who advocated on behalf of a child in Mahoning County.

Agency spokeswoman Jennifer Kollar said that with kids home from school and parents home from work, there actually is more potential for abuse. The agency is still operating, and taking reports of child abuse and neglect and investigating.

Resources

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-422-4453 is available 24/7

Mahoning County Children Services: http://www.mahoningkids.com/

Akron Children’s Hospital: https://www.akronchildrens.org/

Prevent Child Abuse Ohio: https://octf.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/octf/resources-for-parents/articles/

Prevent Child Abuse America: https://preventchildabuse.org/