Bergen County Prosecutor's Office (BCPONJ)’s Post

Important safety tips for adults from Darkness to Light when sending kids to camps and day programs. Never assume policies are in place to keep children safe - find out what the organization does before, during and after hiring staff or volunteers to protect children as best as possible. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ #summersafety #childprotection #childsafety #prevention

As our Summer Safety Series concludes, here are some essential reminders to keep your children #safe during their final camps and programs: - Stay Informed: Ask questions and stay engaged with the camp staff and activities. - Know Camp Policies: Investigate the camp’s child protection policies, including how they handle and prevent allegations of abuse. - Education is Key: Educate yourself and your child about the signs of grooming and abuse. Encourage them to report any uncomfortable interactions immediately. At Darkness to Light, our goal is to educate adults on the #prevention of child sexual abuse. Imagine if all of the adults caring for your child were trained on how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Learn more about our work at d2l.org

While "stranger danger" is still important for all children to know, the reality is that only 10% of children are abused by strangers. Abuse can occur in schools, churches, families, youth sports leagues, and any other places where children gather. Follow along with our weekly #FactFriday series to learn more and understand the issue. The more knowledge we all have surrounding child sexual abuse the better we can #prevent it. To learn more facts about child sexual abuse, click here: https://ow.ly/uCp450R01Gz

Have you heard of a family safety plan? This is a plan to protect your children from sexual abuse, covering topics like education, boundaries, and safe adults. As National Child Abuse Prevention Month wraps up, check out this helpful list of safety plan suggestions. You’re probably already doing some of the items on the list. What new steps could you take? https://lnkd.in/e2xvaGQ3

Mark your calendars for #BlueUmbrellaDay! ☂️ It is a global event observed on 16 April every year, to raise awareness about child abuse prevention and promote the rights of children to live free from violence and abuse. The blue umbrella symbolises protection and is used as a metaphor for providing a safe environment for children. The day is important because it brings attention to the issue of child abuse, which is a significant problem worldwide. It also aims to educate the public about the signs of abuse, the importance of reporting suspected abuse, and the need for effective prevention strategies. By spreading awareness and encouraging action, Blue Umbrella Day seeks to create a safer world for boys, where they can grow and thrive without the fear of sexual exploitation, online and offline. Additionally, it helps to advocate for improved support and services for boys who experience sexual exploitation. Take part in #BlueUmbrellaDay and advocate for better support for boys and young men. Find out more at: https://loom.ly/2ZNYtsw ChildSafeNet #ChildOnlineSafety #ProtectBoys #ChildSafeNet

According to RAINN, every 9 minutes, Child Protective Services proves or finds evidence to support a claim of child sexual abuse. Each of us needs to be vigilant in protecting the children and teens in our community. 93% of underage victims know their attacker, whether they be family, friend, community members, or a peer. If you see something, say something. If you suspect childhood sexual abuse in a home in your community or family, call or text the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. You will be connected with a trained crisis counselor who can walk you through the process and tell you what to expect. This simple call or text could truly save a life and create a safer place for every child in your community. Only when we all come together can we make a real difference. Be a part of the change you wish to see in the world. #janedoenomore #johndoenomore #childabuse #childabuseprevention #reportabuse #childabusehotline #endchildabuse #childhoodsexualabusesurvivor #childhoodsexualabuse #endabuse #gethelp #helpothers #seesomethingsaysomething #nomoreshame #nomoreblame #nomorefear

Age-appropriate and positive conversations about child sexual abuse has the power to prevent it. The National Office for Child Safety has developed a range of resources encouraging adults to learn about the issue of child sexual abuse and how to have ongoing, proactive and preventive conversations with the children and young people in their lives. This toolkit includes topics and conversation starters to have age-appropriate discussions with the pre-school, school-aged children and teenagers you know, as well as other adults around you. https://bit.ly/3V4bUMz

November is Family Violence Prevention Month, a time to increase awareness of the warning signs of family violence and the resources and supports available so we can work together to end family violence.⁠ ⁠ It is important to remember that family violence can happen to people of all ages, abilities, cultural and spiritual backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations, but together, we can prevent family violence and support survivors.⁠ ⁠ Learn more about the resources and supports available, https://lnkd.in/gr9QJTNt

What is child sexual abuse? Where does it happen? Generally speaking, child sexual abuse involves sexual contact between a child and an older person or a peer who forces sexual contact. Child sexual abuse happens everywhere - every state, every community and every neighborhood. It knows no boundaries - race, religion, socioeconomic status, etc. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gNGnexQU April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Keep following along to learn more about child sexual abuse, things to know/questions to ask to protect your child, ongoing communication you should be having with your child, and online safety. #ChildAbusePreventionMonth

As we begin a new week, let's unite in our resolve to combat sexual exploitation and abuse. We must acknowledge that sexual abuse thrives in secrecy and silence, and it's time to break that cycle.  This week, let's prioritize raising awareness, educating ourselves, and supporting survivors. By fostering open discussions, providing educational resources, and offering empathy, we can dismantle the barriers that perpetuate this harmful behaviour.  Let's make this week a catalyst for change, where we collectively strive to create a culture of accountability and support. Together, we can empower survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and foster a community where speaking out against abuse is not only encouraged but embraced.  Join us in our mission to break the silence and prevent sexual exploitation and abuse. Together, we can make a difference! #BreakTheSilence #PreventAbuse #EmpowerSurvivors