Dear Sir,

April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month — a time for all parents, guardians and caregivers to heighten their awareness and take action to protect our most vulnerable. This is not just a month of acknowledgement; it is a call to vigilance and a reminder to trust your instincts when it comes to the safety of your children.

Stop leaving your children with people you barely know; stop trusting new partners to babysit; and stop letting untrustworthy family members watch them just because it is convenient.

If your gut tells you something is off, cut that person off immediately. If your child tells you they don’t feel safe, listen and act now!

Every parent, guardian and caretaker must prevent child abuse in all forms — physical, emotional and sexual. Children are often powerless against the dangers that lurk in plain sight, which is why the responsibility falls on adults to be their protectors, their advocates and their voices.

Abusers are not always strangers; in fact, most cases of abuse occur at the hands of familiar people — people we think we know and trust. This is why we must remain vigilant, question situations that feel uneasy, and never dismiss a child’s discomfort. If something doesn’t feel right, act to get clarity. There is no harm in being cautious, but there is irreversible harm in ignoring the warning signs.

This is not about fear; it’s about prevention. It’s about breaking cycles of abuse before they start. It’s about ensuring that no child suffers because of an adult’s negligence or misplaced trust.

This is your child. Protect her. Protect him. Their safety is your priority!

Let’s be the first line of defence in ensuring every child is safe, heard and protected.

SHERVONNE CASH HOLLIS

Hamilton Parish

Child advocate

Save Our Children Alliance