The month of April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. During this month, the Austin Police Department reached out to children, ages 11-16, as well as their parents to let them know that they have the power! APD launched a media campaign called #ihavethepower helping to educate people about child sexual abuse and to equip victims with the information they need to report it.
In April, APD asked people to download this sign, write in their reasons for wanting to bring awareness to or end child abuse, and post on their social media channels using the hashtag #ihavethepower.
In 2013, APD received 214 reported cases of sexual abuse of children ages 11-16 years old. Almost all acts of child sexual abuse are committed by a known person; of the 214 cases reported, only one involved a stranger.
#ihavethepower - PSA
The Stats
• 198 of the victims were female and 16 of them were male
• In 52 cases, the suspect was a relative
• In 112 cases, the suspect was known to the victim
• In 23 cases, the suspect was a boyfriend
• 27 cases were unknown/no follow up from victim
APD wants children to know that they have the power to stop or prevent child abuse by reporting when it occurs or is attempted.
What adults need to know:
• BELIEVE YOUR CHILD if they report abuse
• Do not blame them for what happened
• Listen and reassure them but avoid asking too many questions
• Talk to your kids in terms that they understand and explain what sexual abuse is
• Be aware that most victims of sexual abuse know the abuser
• Reassure your kids that they will not be in trouble if they are victimized
What to tell you children about abuse:
• If you have been abused, you are not alone
• You will not get in trouble for telling someone
• Your friends will not know what happened
• APD and Child Protective Services (CPS) will work to protect you after you report it
• Tell an adult that you trust as soon as you can
• Pick up the phone and call 911 and the police will come help you
Download the English #ihavethepower poster to hang at your school or work.
Download the Spanish #ihavethepower poster to hang at your school or work.
CPS Hotline: 1-800-252-5400
txabusehotline.org