TEXARKANA, Texas -- April is recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Texarkana Children's Advocacy Center is assisting in raising awareness within the community.
On Monday, TCAC will host a free Stewards of Children training at Texarkana Convention Center on Cowhorn Creek Road. The training will teach participants how to prevent and recognize child sexual abuse.
"Child sexual abuse is preventable, and education is key," said Breanne Bradshaw, TCAC's director of education and outreach. "Most parents believe their child would tell them right away if someone were abusing them, but we know this isn't usually the case."
One in 10 children will be sexually abused by his or her 18th birthday, and most children will never report the abuse, according to a TCAC news release.
"Parents need to understand the risks, know the signs to look for, and have the language and tools to educate their children to protect them from potential harm," Bradshaw said. "And it's not just parents and child-serving professionals who need this training. We all have a role to play in protecting children from this heinous crime."
In the news release, TCAC said 93% of child victims know their abuser. The abuse can have lifelong effects, including health problems, post-traumatic stress, suicidal thoughts and substance abuse.
On April 2, mayors of both Texarkanas met in front of Bi-State Justice Center to declare April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Texarkana.
For more information on TCAC, texarkanacac.org.