Take part in the Blue Ribbon Campaign to end child abuse and learn how you can keep kids safe.
“I’m strong enough, smart enough, and determined enough to get this done.”
Child abuse can be devastating for a child. The resulting trauma can negatively impact a child’s self-esteem and ability to trust others, affect their performance in school, and make it difficult for them to form healthy relationships. Abuse can also have long-term health consequences.
Strong relationships are the foundation of a child’s resilience. Research shows that one caring, consistent adult can help build resilience. These relationships safeguard children from developmental disruptions and help them develop the skills needed to respond to adversity and thrive.
A resilient child is better able to “bounce back” from a traumatic experience. Resilient people have the courage to stand up for themselves. They are willing to share feelings and ask for help when they need it.
That’s why it’s so important to cultivate resilience in every child.
“I don’t have to be perfect or know all the answers.”
“This looks difficult, but I think I can figure it out.”
“When things feel hard, and I don’t know what to do, that just means I’m learning.”
“What do I have the power to control here?”
“What else could I try?”
If you have a child in your life, every day brings opportunities to build resilience. How you talk about yourself and the challenges you face can make a big difference.
It’s one of the best ways to protect kids from child abuse.
Children are at the greatest risk for abuse when families are dealing with overwhelming stress. As a community, we can better protect children by addressing stressors that impact families. In Central Oregon, common family stressors include a lack of affordable housing, non-living wages, and barriers to medical care, mental health services, and childcare. It will take a community effort to address these issues. We can start by advocating for initiatives and programs that better support local families (see “What can you do to build resilience?” below.) As we create a more resilient community, fewer children will experience abuse.
MountainStar offers Relief Nursery services to reduce stress on families. Every year 98% of children served by MountainStar remain safe from abuse and neglect.
KIDS Center has trained more than 15,000 Central Oregonians to spot and prevent child abuse. For every adult trained, two children are better protected against abuse (on average).
There are many ways you can help create resilient kids and communities. Here are a few suggestions:
like wearing a bicycle helmet or washing hands. Talking about body safety is equally important, because it can help protect your child against abuse.
Even if you’ve talked with your child about their body, it’s important that you have the “whole talk.” Talk with them about body parts and development, body boundaries, and appropriate touch. The younger a child is, the easier it is to start these conversations, but you can absolutely begin at any age!
Kids are never too old to talk about body safety. Teens can definitely benefit from conversations about body boundaries and types of touches. As your teen gets older and experiences different types of situations, they’ll know you’re still there and available to talk.
It’s OK to say “no” to another person...even an adult. When you feel uncomfortable or “icky,” you can let them know. And if they don’t listen, you can come and tell me.
Discuss privacy and the difference between secrets and surprises.
Teach how body boundaries connect to privacy and safe touch.
Teach accurate names of ALL body parts—including during bath times and diaper changes.
Model safe, appropriate, comfortable touch.
Ask your child to point to the body parts you name.
Introduce the concept of consent.
Begin to discuss the changes their body will experience as they go through puberty.
Talk to them about the act of sex and its connection to reproduction.
Discuss what characteristics make up healthy relationships. Introduce the idea of online privacy.
Expand on the idea of consent.
START TALKING
Knowing what a healthy relationship looks like is another way to keep our body safe. What makes up a healthy relationship? (i.e. trust, good communication, anger control, etc.)
Discuss what relationship boundaries can look like.
Talk about how social media can affect them mentally and socially.
Teach teens about how substances can affect decision-making skills.
START TALKING
What are some negative aspects of social media? What are some positives?
Consent is giving someone a choice about touch or actions—and respecting their answer. Let’s talk about situations where we need consent.
Central Oregon children were victims of abuse, and
47%
In 2021, 725 were under the age of five.
In 1989, Bonnie Finney lost her three-yearold grandson to abuse by her daughter’s boyfriend. Bonnie tied blue ribbons to her car to represent her grandson’s bruises, and the community joined in to support Bonnie and her family. Over the past 30 years, the Blue Ribbon Campaign has grown into a nationwide event, bringing communities together to protect children. This year marks the 14th annual Blue Ribbon Campaign in Central Oregon, thanks to our generous community sponsors.
Show your support for the Blue Ribbon Campaign this April! Wear a blue ribbon or wristband, available at locations throughout Central Oregon. Visit kidscenter.org or mtstar.org for details.
Each year, KIDS Center and MountainStar honor community partners who demonstrate outstanding commitment to helping prevent child abuse in Central Oregon. Each has dedicated valuable resources and time to learn how to better protect children, as well as provide concrete support for families in crisis. Thank you for giving back to our community!
A heartfelt thank you to our community partners and volunteers who are working to prevent child abuse!
Built by the community 28 years ago, KIDS Center leads our region’s response to child abuse. As a Children’s Advocacy Center, we work with community partners to serve children and families across Central Oregon. KIDS Center provides therapy, forensic interviews, family advocacy, and child-friendly medical examinations—and all of our services are free for families impacted by abuse. We also offer free child safety trainings across the region to help prevent child abuse.
Visit kidscenter.org
Thank you, Sponsors
MountainStar Family Relief Nursery prevents child abuse and neglect through community support and therapeutic services that help vulnerable children and families succeed. MountainStar is the only program in Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook Counties providing therapeutic classrooms, parenting education services, and family support targeted at protecting babies and toddlers who are at significant risk of abuse and neglect.
Visit mtstar.org
