Child Abuse Prevention
Dear Editor: April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Sitkans Against Family Violence is using this time to educate the community about preventative measures everyone can take to fight against child maltreatment. Child abuse is a complex societal problem influenced by a lack of economic, social, and psychological support for individuals. Building a support network within a community can be as simple as getting involved with opportunities that help families connect to one another.
In Sitka, for example, the Sheet’ká Family Challenge is offered each spring to encourage these vital connections. While addressing these environmental factors is critical, community accountability is equally important in the fight against child abuse. Individuals who can identify and address signs of child abuse victimization or perpetration can have a significant impact on a child’s life, and can also shift the prevailing culture to one that holds abusers accountable for their actions.
Child abuse is defined as the physical, sexual, or psychological maltreatment of a child. This also includes failure to provide appropriate care, also known as neglect. Caregivers who are overly critical, chronically blame their child, ignore their child’s needs, or excessively depend on their child for emotional support, are often signs of an abuser. Sexual abusers can be possessive of their victim in public settings, overly affectionate, or ignore a child’s boundaries in public. Caregivers who have a history of being abused, experience substance abuse or mental health issues, are adolescent, or not biologically related to the child, have a higher risk of being perpetrators.
Signs of abuse in children can vary based on developmental age. Neonates, infants, and toddlers may excessively cry or be very clingy. School-aged students and teenagers may have a decline in school performance, behave out of character, and withdraw from others. Some indicators of sexual abuse in youth are: age-inappropriate sexual behaviors and knowledge, chronic fire starting, and have difficulty walking or sitting.
Children in neglectful situations may be chronically underdressed for the weather, display poor growth, and have poor hygiene. Identifying a pattern is key in determining suspicion for abuse and it is everyone’s responsibility to look out for our youths, and to create an environment where our kids seek and receive help from adult allies!
If a child discloses abuse to you, your first step is to believe them. Validating a survivor’s experience can provide a sense of safety and acceptance. Mandatory reporters should refer to their training and non-mandatory reports should contact the Office of Children’s Services at 1-800-478-4444 or ReportChildAbuse@alaska.gov. The Child Advocacy Center, which is run by Sitka Tribe of Alaska, provides local services to Sitka youths who have been referred by OCS.
Take time this April to learn more about how you can help prevent child abuse. We all play a role in our community, so let’s work to protect and support our youths! To learn more go to: safv.org/child-abuse. #BuildingCommunityBuildingHope
Bhargavi Pochi,
Prevention Assistant,
Sitkans Against Family Violence
Rainy Day Bazaar Thanks
Dear Editor: The U.S. Coast Guard Spouses’ and Women’s Association would like to thank all those who supported this year’s Rainy Day Bazaar.
This event would not be possible without the enthusiastic participation of so many. We would like to thank all of the vendors for coming to sell their wonderful products; KCAW, Sitka Soup, and the Daily Sitka Sentinel for helping us spread the word; the staff at Harrigan Centennial Hall for all of their work; and all of the patrons who attended.
We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the following individuals and businesses for making the silent auction at this year’s bazaar such a huge success. We greatly appreciate all of your generous donations and financial support.
Ace Hardware, AC Lakeside, Alaska Computer and Office Supply Center, Alaska Pure Sea Salt, Alaska Raptor Center, Alaska Seaplanes, Arctic Chiropractic, Backdoor Cafe, Beak Restaurant, Big Brew Energy, Campfire Kitchen, Daily Sitka Sentinel, Delta Western, Ernie’s Saloon, Evergreen Natural Foods, Fate Accompli, Fenceline Crafts, Fish Eye Coffee, Fortress of the Bear, Galanin + Klein, Hair Play, Hames Corporation, Harbor Mountain Brewing Company, Harry Race Pharmacy, Highliner Coffee, KCAW/Raven Radio, Mean Queen, Mountain Miss Gear and Gifts, Mountainside Adult and Pediatric Rehabilitation, Napa Auto Parts-Sitka Motor Supply, New Start Aquarium and Birds, Old Harbor Books, Orion Sporting Goods, Petro Marine, Pets Choice Vet Hospital, Pizza Express, Precision Boatworks, Russell’s Sporting Goods, Silver Basin, Sitka Bulk Goods, Sitka Lighthouse Company Store, Sitka Sound Science Center, Spenard Builders Supply, Stereo North, Sugar Chic, Sweet Sisters Caramel, True Value, Tongass Threads, WildFlour Cafe and Bakery, and Yellow Jersey Cycle Shop.
We would also like to thank the RDB vendors that contributed. ArtCove S&P, Auriella Hughes Art, Avery’s Macrame Creations, Basket Case, Bizarre Sitka Arts, Broken Paddle Studio, Creative Memories with Breezy, Dark Steel Ink, Don Seesz, Dumpling Stu, Ems Kitchen Delights, Elizabeth Faulkner Designs, Fisherman’s Galley, Hayes Woodworking, iBling4You, Jeannie Jay, Karen Christner, Kay McCarty Gallery, Made by Four Winds, Mandy’s Creations, MK Creative, Sammie’s Creations, Shelly Atkinson, Something’s Fishy, Susan Cross, The Donut Lady, Wilderness Woodworks, and 49 and Pine.
Because of the generosity of these businesses, we were able to raise $5,600 for our Sitka community scholarship and non-profit grants! Applications are currently open on our website.
We are grateful to be part of such a supportive community. Thank you! We’re already looking forward to next year’s Rainy Day Bazaar on March 25, 2024.
Kirsten Haas,
Rainy Day Bazaar Coordinator;
Amanda Keily, Rainy Day Bazaar Silent Auction Coordinator;
The Coast Guard Spouses’ and Women’s Association of Sitka
www.sitkacgswa.org
