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National Child Abuse Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Chapman
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. During the month special emphasis has been placed on educating Fairchild members on abuse prevention and treatment opportunities.

According to Stephen Pitters, Family Advocacy outreach manager, there are two programs available to those who have been abused, have had thoughts of abusing or have abused their children, often thought of as 'soft side' and 'hard side' programs.

Soft side programs are typically the first available to the communities, which consist of outreach and prevention. Each of the programs is specifically geared toward educating the community on the definitions of abuse, lessons in anger and coping with stress.

Hard side programs are for those seeking treatment or individuals who have been referred to the program by members of the community for suspicion or evidence of abuse. The Fairchild community is encouraged to take action against child abuse by calling Family Advocacy or the 92nd Security Forces at 247-5494 day or night if they suspect abuse. 

"Both programs are available to Fairchild members at no personal cost, and are valuable resources to aid in the fight against child abuse," said Mr. Pitters. "Through these programs it's our hope that we prevent child abuse and promote an environment where children feel safe physically, emotionally and spiritually."

It should be noted that every member of the Fairchild community has more than an obligation to be aware of child abuse; we all have the responsibility to take action against it.

"Child abuse is a challenging discussion point for anyone," said Mr. Pitters, "but it's important to understand that it happens and that you have a voice to help end it."

Mr. Pitters is the primary focal point for guidance on resources available to the community regarding spousal and child abuse. He can be reached at 247-2687.

(Stephen Pitters, 92nd Family Advocacy outreach manager, and Senior Airman Jocelyn Ford, 92nd Air Refueling Wing public affairs still photographer, contributed to this article.)