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Child Abuse Awareness Month

Month-long awareness observance in April dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect and supporting the well-being of children and families.

Thursday

1–30

April 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of April

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYViolence Prevention

ORIGIN

President Ronald Reagan (Proclamation 5039)

FOUNDING ENTITY

President Ronald Reagan (Proclamation 5039)

FIRST OBSERVED

1983

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5039 on April 4, 1983, designating April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month following Congressional passage of Senate Joint Resolution 21, directing communities and professionals to prioritize prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Presidential Proclamationvia presidency.ucsb.edu

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

April 1 marks the start of Child Abuse Awareness Month, a time to recognize and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our children from abuse. This month has been around since 1983, when President Ronald Reagan declared April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in an effort to draw attention to this important issue and create a nationwide support network for victims and survivors. Now more than ever, it is important that we join together to spread knowledge and understanding about child abuse in order to create safe environments for all children.

TIMELINE

Child Abuse Awareness Month Timeline

Child Abuse Prevention Act

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) is signed into law, providing federal funding to states in support of prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, and treatment activities.

First National Conference

The first National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect is held, creating a platform for professionals to exchange ideas and develop strategies to address the issue of child abuse.

Child Abuse Awareness Month Initiation

US President Ronald Reagan declares April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month to draw attention to this critical problem and build a support network for victims and survivors.

Child Advocacy Centers Growth

In the 1990s, multidisciplinary child advocacy centers grew significantly, providing a child-friendly environment for interviewing and examining children who have been abused.

CAPTA Reauthorization

CAPTA is reauthorized, improving provisions related to the reporting of suspected child abuse, expands circumstances requiring expedited termination of parental rights, and enhances the program for grants for improving the handling of child abuse and neglect cases.

Strengthening Protections

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act is once again reauthorized, strengthening further protections for children and support for families.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Child Abuse Awareness Month

Volunteer at a shelter

Volunteer your time to an organization that supports children who have been neglected or abused. You can offer emotional support, help with basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter, and help with activities such as tutoring, art projects, and outdoor activities.

SPREAD

Spread awareness

Raise awareness about the issue of child abuse by talking to your friends and family about it. Share facts and stories on social media, or write letters to your local newspaper.

ORGANIZE

Organize a fundraiser

Organize a fundraiser to benefit an organization that helps victims of child abuse. Use online fundraising platforms or host an event in your community to collect donations.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself

Read books, watch films, and take courses to educate yourself on the issue of child abuse and how to protect children from it. Look for organizations that provide resources on preventing and responding to child abuse.

DONATE

Donate to the cause

Make a financial donation to a charity that works to prevent and respond to child abuse. Your support can help provide resources and services that can help protect children from harm.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Child Abuse Awareness Month is Important

It raises funds & resources

Child abuse awareness month helps to raise both funds and resources for various programs focused on helping survivors of abuse and preventing future cases. Organizations like Childhelp and Prevent Child Abuse America help to provide access to counseling, support groups and other forms of treatment for those affected by child abuse.

Child abuse is a serious issue

Every year, millions of children around the world suffer from abuse. This could be in the form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. It's important for us to create awareness about child abuse and make sure that people are aware of its consequences so that it can be prevented or dealt with when it does occur.

It promotes healing

Raising awareness about child abuse empowers survivors to come forward and begin their own journey toward healing. By having this conversation, we can help give these survivors the support they need to move on from their trauma and start living life again.

Related holidays

National Child Protection Week

Protecting our children is a top priority - join us in raising awareness and making a positive impact during National Child Protection Week.

Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse

Join the fight on Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse - together, we can create a world where every child is safe and protected.

National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

Join us in spreading awareness and taking action this National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Let's stand together to end sexual violence.

Children’s Awareness Month

It's Children's Awareness Month - a time to educate and advocate for the well-being of our future generation. Get involved today!

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