April is National Child Abuse Prevention month in the US, an observance that was first declared in 1979 by former president Jimmy Carter.
A staggering one in four people experience abuse during childhood in the US [1], with that abuse falling into one of four categories: physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect. Around one in seven US children has experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year [2].
Typically, abuse is difficult to detect at a surface level and it can take victims years to report it. One reason for this is because many children may not recognize their abuser's behavior is inappropriate. Children may also not be mentally or physically mature enough to challenge the abuser’s behavior. Child abuse can leave victims with years of trauma, shaping their own behaviors in the years that follow. National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect, creating safer communities.
At Beazley, we are committed to creating safer environments through our Safeguard offering, which includes risk management and response services in addition to insurance. Effective risk management and providing appropriate and swift action following a report of abuse are essential to reducing the risk of these issues arising and protecting other potential victims.
Any company or organization working with children should implement the following:
Preventative Tactics
- Require screening and background checks of employees, independent contractors, and volunteers
- Train all staff on abuse prevention and response including mandated reporting requirements
- Limit one-on-one interaction and communication between a child and an adult
- Fully embrace a culture of safety at all levels of the organization
Responsive Tactics
- Recognize the signs of abuse
- Have robust written policies for appropriate and inappropriate behaviors
- Have reporting procedures for anyone to raise any concerns and a process for how to action
- Treat victims with care and compassion
While April is a time for organizations to come together and raise awareness of the risks associated with child abuse, children’s safety is a year-round concern, and we all have a role to play. This April, we challenge you to review your organization’s approach and your clients’ commitment to creating a culture of safety for our children. Utilizing the risk prevention tools in your Beazley Safeguard policy is a great start.
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Christina Herald
Focus Group Leader - Crime & Fidelity and US Safeguard
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)
The information set forth in this document is intended as general risk management information. It is made available with the understanding that Beazley does not render legal services or advice. It should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with counsel. Beazley has not examined and/ or had access to any particular circumstances, needs, contracts and/or operations of any party having access to this document. There may be specific issues under applicable law, or related to the particular circumstances of your contracts or operations, for which you may wish the assistance of counsel. Although reasonable care has been taken in preparing the information set forth in this document, Beazley accepts no responsibility for any errors it may contain or for any losses allegedly attributable to this information.