Child abuse is a crime most don’t want to talk about. Or get involved with. How do you know for sure the child next door is being abused or neglected? What if you’re wrong? But worse … what if you’re right?
April is designated as Child Abuse Awareness Month. Abuse prevention needs to be a priority, and every adult has a role in making that happen. Change begins with each of us. It is our duty to help any child who is affected by child abuse. They require our assistance in finding the resources and services they need. Here in New Jersey, young people, ages 10-24, can contact the 2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline, a toll-free helpline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By calling 1-888-222-2228, children and teens can speak anonymously and confidentially with professionals and trained volunteers about any issue they are facing at home or school.
In the past year, the helpline had more than 120,000 conversations with youths throughout New Jersey, including 46 calls about child abuse. Imagine how many more children could be helped if they knew about 2NDFLOOR.
It takes the ongoing efforts of many responsible adults to ensure the safety and well-being of our children. If you suspect a teen or child is a victim of abuse, let them know that nonjudgmental support is just a phone call away.
Nicole Romaine-Settembrino
Director of Development
2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline
Hazlet