April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. At Stepping Stones, we view children as PRIMARY victims, even though the children may not be directly physically or sexually assaulted. Because of this, our Children’s Advocates help children create their own safety plans, learn how to dial 911, and learn how to call Stepping Stones in case they ever are in danger because of violence happening in their home. Through age appropriate activities, advocates help children deal with trauma and abuse, learn about healthy emotions, and understand boundaries.
Below is a piece of a safety plan from a child of a shelter graduate. Because of the advocate’s previous work with this child, they knew how to recognize potentially dangerous situations and what to do to take action and find safety.
A snippet of a former child resident’s safety plan. The child had been in shelter previously, and because they knew how to call 911 and what to do if they or their family were in danger.
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