April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. In a 2007 study, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 794,000 children were confirmed by Child Protective Services in the United States as having been abused or neglected. As you might imagine, that number represents only a fraction of the actual instances of child abuse and neglect taking place in the U.S. today.

Tragically, most cases of child abuse and neglect are not reported and child abuse remains a major problem for our society in 2010. Studies have shown that child abuse can alter or adversely affect brain development in the very young. It can also lead to permanent physical and mental disabilities as well, such as visual, cognitive and motor impairments. Child abuse also is now regarded as a possible cause for the onset of heart, liver and lung diseases later in adult life.

As a parent, family member, caregiver, babysitter or friend, how much do you know about child abuse? You probably do know that all child abuse injuries are not visible. Child abuse frequently can leave long-lasting emotional scars, such as anxiety and depression. Children who are abused often become wary of forming friendly relationships with other children and adults and distance themselves from others. But there is help--and the critical first step is to report potential child abuse or neglect if you are suspicious that it is occurring.

If you suspect that a child has been abused, please report it to your state child abuse hotline or call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD). You can also visit your state's child abuse website can help you understand your state's child abuse reporting laws. If you know a child is in imminent danger, call 911. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Child Welfare Information Gateway website maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - http://www.childwelfare.gov. Abused kids aren't able to protect themselves, and their only hope of escaping their abuser is if those around them are willing to act courageously. Please help.