since the spring of 1989 when a Virginia Grandmother named
Bonnie began wearing a Blue Ribbon as a tribute
to her grandson Ö a three year old whose motherís abusive
boyfriend killed him, concerned citizens all over America
have worn the blue ribbon as a symbol to prevent child
abuse and neglect.
Blue Ribbon Campaign has gained national momentum. It
is one way that everyone can play a role in the awareness
of violence against children -- in all its forms. By demonstrating your concern and commitment,
others will want to wear the ribbon too. Itís a powerful
way to rally everyone in your community to support public
awareness for child abuse prevention and programs that help parents
here to purchase Blue
Ribbon pins. By wearing the Blue Ribbon
pin you are making a difference for children!
Our Children USA invites you to challenge people to display
a blue ribbon in every business, every church and synagogue,
every school, every hospital, and in every home... challenge
kids and adults to wear their blue ribbons proudly. Please
involve your neighborhood and community... ask everyone
to respond to this national challenge. Learn about the issue
of child abuse and encourage your friends to do the same.
Please join the nation in preventing child abuse.
year over 3 million children are victims of child
abuse, and those are ONLY the ones that are reported
each year almost 1.8 million children are reported
missing many of them abducted from their own homes
and front yards. Child abuse kills more than 3
children every day in the U.S.
so many cases of child abuse go unreported, it is estimated
that the actual number of victims is 3 times greater than the actual reports. Children in the USA are
more apt to die from abuse than from accidents.
Violence against children comes in the forms of: physical abuse, neglect,
sexual abuse, emotional and verbal abuse, abandonment, and
death. Love Our Children USA is committed to raising
awareness, educating the public. In
order to make a bigger impact it is essential that communities
all over the country get involved.
the year 2000, an average of 2,400 children each
day were victims of child abuse.
Each week, child protective services (CPS) agencies throughout
the United States receive more than 50,000 reports
of suspected child abuse or neglect.
CHILDREN: No group of children is immune. Boys
and girls are almost equally likely to experience neglect
and physical abuse. However, girls are four times more
likely to experience sexual abuse.
Children of all races and ethnicities experience child
abuse. In 2000, more than one-half of all reported victims
were White (51 percent); one-quarter (25 percent) were
African American; and 14 percent were Hispanic. American
Indian/Alaska Natives accounted for two percent of victims,
and Asian/Pacific Islanders accounted for one percent
Children of all ages experience abuse, but the youngest
children are most vulnerable. Children younger than one
year old accounted for nearly one-half (44 percent) of
child abuse and neglect deaths reported in 2000; 85 percent
of the children who died were younger than six years of
PERPETRATORS: At least 4 out of 5 victims are abused
by at least one parent.
definition, perpetrators of child abuse and neglect are
the very people responsible for the child's safety and
well-being (including parents, other relatives, and babysitters).
The most common group of people found to be responsible
for neglect and physical abuse were mothers acting alone
(47 percent and 32 percent of victims, respectively).
In cases of sexual abuse, non-relatives and fathers acting
alone are more likely to be responsible (29 percent and
22 percent of victims, respectively).
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2002).
take a few moments this month to remind children you know
Violence affects all of us whether we are directly involved
· It is our duty and the law to report it
· No one ever deserves to be abused.
· Children are never to blame for the abuse and violence
that are inflicted upon them.
· Children should always telling a trusted adult
about the abuse
The price of each Blue Ribbon pin is $7.00 including
shipping and handling. Click Here to purchase online or call 212.629.2099
can also buy Blue Ribbons by check. Please make
your checks payable to Love Our Children USA and
sent to Love Our Children USA, 220 East 57th Street,
9th Floor - Suite G, New York, NY 10022-2820.
We'll send your
Blue Ribbon pins immediately so you can begin to raise
awareness for America's kids!
every blue ribbon that is worn across the country ... is
another child in America who has bruises, who cries, who
hurts, who is afraid, and sadly - who we may have already lost.
so desperately need and want is love, safety, and nurturing!
Child abuse is everyoneís problem! Letís create beautiful
dreams for our kids... instead of shattering them!
Individuals Can Do To Help Build The Bridge From Prevention
Awareness To Action In Your Community:
is up to us to build strong communities where families
and children live. It is in these communities that children
are safest from abuse and neglect. Here are some things
you can do as a concerned individual:
Call or write your candidates and elected officials to
educate them about issues in your community and the need
for child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment
Encourage your local school district and faith community
to sponsor classes and support programs for new parents.
Reach Out To Kids And Parents In Your Community.
Supporting kids and parents in your family and in your
community helps to reduce the likelihood of child abuse
and neglect. Be a good neighbor. Offer to baby-sit. Donate
your children's used clothing, furniture, and toys for
use by another family. Be kind and supportive, particularly
to new parents and children.
Remember The Risk Factors
Child abuse and neglect occur in all segments of our society,
but the risk factors are greater in families where parents:
- Abuse alcohol or drugs
- Are isolated from their families or communities
- Have difficulty controlling their anger or stress
- Appear uninterested in the care, nourishment, or safety
of their children
- Seem to be having serious economic, housing, or personal
Recognize Some Of The Warning Signs That A Child Might
Be Abused Or Neglected:
- Nervousness around adults
- Aggression toward adults or other children
- Inability to stay awake or to concentrate for extended
- Sudden, dramatic changes in personality or activities
- Acting out sexually or showing interest in sex that
for his or her age
- Frequent or unexplained bruises or injuries
- Low self-esteem
- Poor hygiene
Report Suspected Abuse Or Neglect
If you even suspect abuse or neglect report itand
keep reporting ituntil something is done. Contact
child protective services (in your local phone book) or
your local police department.
Other Ways You Can Help
a support network by getting involved in your
- Develop friendly relationships with your neighbors
and their children.
- Problems often seem less overwhelming when you
have support nearby.
- Get involved in your child's school. Join the
and attend school events.
- Talk to your friends and neighbors about to stop
violence against children.