Support Anti-Child Abuse Campaign: Wear Blue Ribbon in April

April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month.

This movement began as old as 1989, spearheaded by Ms. Bonnie Finney, of Norfolk, Va., who took a stand against child abuse after experiencing the death of her grandson. The symbolic blue ribbon was tied to her van as a signal of her personal commitment to encourage the spirit of stopping child abuse.

Bonnie’s own grandson, Michael Wayne "Bubba" Dickenson, was a tragic young victim whose death gave her the strength to encourage others to help in the fight against child abuse and negligence. More story of Bonnie's grandson's death can be found in her weblink: http://www.preventchildabuse.com/blue.htm

>>> Why the Color Blue?
Bonnie uses blue as a constant reminder to fight for our children. Blue represents closely to the battered, bruised bodies of children, which are black, then eventually blue.

>>> What is Child Abuse?
Sources revealed that child abuse is a growing epidemic. Locally, we have heard news on how a foreign domestic helper tried to scald a crying baby, and even about a stepfather's attempt on sexual activities with a minor. To understand how can we stop child abuses, we need to know what are child abuses:

Three Major Forms of Child Abuse

1. Physical Abuse
Physical injuries may include but not limit to signs of minor and/or major aftermaths:
- cuts
- bruises
- bleeding
- severe fractures
- death
as a result of pulling, punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting (with a hand, stick, strap, or other object), burning, or otherwise harming a child

Such injuries are considered abuse regardless of whether the caretaker intended to hurt the child.


2. Sexual Abuse
Suspect can be anybody, and sexual abuse activities include such as:
- fondling a child's genitals
- penetration
- incest
- rape
- sodomy
- indecent exposure
- exploitation through prostitution, and
- production of pornographic materials

You can find latest research findings (carried out by Singapore Children's Society) on national perceptions and opinions on sexual abuse by logging onto this link address:
http://www.childrensociety.org.sg/services/images/Monograph5.pdf

3. Emotional Abuse
A pattern of behavior that damages a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may also result impairment of the child's mental growth. Types of emotional abuses may include:
- constant criticism, threats, or rejection

Emotional abuse is often difficult to prove and, therefore, finding witnesses alongside with other forms of abuses to support verdict is important.

You can find latest research findings (carried out by Singapore Children's Society) on national perception and opinons on emotional abuse by logging onto this link address:
http://www.childrensocixety.org.sg/services/images/Monograph4.pdf



>>> Know A Child Who Might Be Abused? Call for Help Now.
Should any child or the witness of an abusive child is looking for help:

Hotline for Child Abuse Help -- CALL Tinkle Friend @ 1800-2744-788

TinkleFriend is a national toll free helpline for all primary-school-aged children in Singapore. It is hosted by the Singapore Children's Society. The helpline provides support, advice and information to lonely and distressed children, especially in situations when their parents or main caregivers are unavailable. Tinkle Friend Helpline is manned by trained volunteers.

>>> Blue Ribbon, Now I Appreciate U
So, if you witness someone's wearing or tying a Blue Ribbon, it's a symbolic of this Anti-Child Abuse Campaign.

Support this international campaign and keep it going. Our children symbolise our hopes. Start making yourself one blue ribbon today!

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