Shedding Light on National Child Abuse Month: Understanding the Link to Homelessness and Mental Health

Nurturing Young Minds: Children’s Mental Health Week – May 2025

April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) — a time to raise our voices, spread awareness, and stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault and trafficking. In 2025, the theme continues to emphasize prevention, empowerment, and healing , reminding us that creating safe communities begins with education, empathy, and action. Sexual assault affects millions of individuals across all walks of life. According to recent statistics, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime. Survivors often carry invisible scars — trauma, isolation, and fear — that extend far beyond the moment of abuse. But during SAAM, we collectively send a powerful message: You are not alone. Empowering Survivors with Support and Hope One organization making a tangible difference is Ambassadors For Christ Youth Ministries (AFC) . Dedicated to uplifting vulnerable and at-risk youth, AFC plays a vital role in providing resources, counseling, and faith-based support to victims of sexual assault and trafficking. AFC understands that healing is not one-size-fits-all. For survivors, especially young people, finding a safe space to process their pain and reclaim their identity is essential. Through mentorship programs, trauma-informed care, spiritual guidance, and access to community resources, AFC offers a holistic approach to recovery . "We believe in meeting people where they are — with compassion, faith, and practical help," says one AFC advocate. "Our mission is to be a light in the darkness and a voice for those who have been silenced." Raising Awareness, Inspiring Change During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, AFC ramps up its advocacy efforts by: Hosting educational workshops for teens and families on consent, healthy relationships, and online safety. Collaborating with local schools and churches to increase awareness and create safe reporting spaces. Partnering with law enforcement and shelters to assist those escaping trafficking situations. Their work reminds us that prevention starts with empowering youth, educating communities , and never shying away from difficult conversations. How You Can Get Involved Everyone has a role to play in ending sexual violence. This April, consider: Wearing teal , the official color of SAAM, to show your support. Sharing survivor stories (with permission) or resources on social media. Donating to or volunteering with organizations like Ambassadors For Christ Youth Ministries that are on the front lines of this fight. Hosting a prayer circle, awareness walk, or informational event in your community. Final Thoughts Sexual Assault Awareness Month isn’t just about raising awareness — it’s about creating a world where every survivor feels heard, supported, and safe. With organizations like Ambassadors For Christ Youth Ministries , we are reminded that there is hope beyond trauma , and healing is possible. Together, we can stand with survivors, amplify their voices , and work toward a future free from abuse and exploitation. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or connect with Ambassadors For Christ Youth Ministries at afcyouth.org for faith-centered support and resources. 

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month: January 2025

National Runaway Prevention Month: Raising Awareness and Providing Support Every November, National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM) shines a light on one of the most overlooked issues affecting vulnerable youth in our country: running away. It is a time to raise awareness, educate the public, and encourage proactive steps to prevent young people from fleeing their homes. Runaway youth face unimaginable challenges, from exposure to homelessness and exploitation to isolation and trauma. NRPM serves as a reminder that by working together as a community, we can help keep children safe, support families, and ultimately prevent young people from running away. Understanding the Crisis of Youth Running Away Each year, over 4.5 million youth between the ages of 12 and 17 will run away from home, according to the National Runaway Safeline (NRS). The reasons behind these decisions vary greatly, but they often stem from a combination of factors such as family conflict, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or struggles with mental health and identity. While many of these teens eventually return home or find a safe place to stay, many others are at risk of long-term consequences, including homelessness, addiction, trafficking, and mental health crises. The emotional toll of running away is often underreported. For the youth who run, it’s rarely a simple choice—it’s a desperate act of survival. They might feel like they have nowhere to turn or believe that fleeing is the only way to escape the pain they are experiencing. Without proper resources and support systems, these young people can find themselves trapped in dangerous situations, further escalating their vulnerability. What National Runaway Prevention Month Aims to Achieve NRPM aims to change this narrative by increasing awareness and encouraging conversations about youth homelessness and runaway prevention. The month-long observance is a call to action for communities to come together and take steps to help prevent youth from feeling like running away is their only option. Here are the core goals of NRPM: Raising Awareness: NRPM provides a platform to educate the public about the prevalence of runaway youth, as well as the factors that contribute to these situations. By shedding light on this issue, the goal is to foster a more informed and compassionate society that is better equipped to support at-risk youth. Supporting Prevention Efforts: Beyond awareness, NRPM works to promote prevention programs and services that help families before a runaway crisis occurs. These services might include counseling, support for families in crisis, or outreach programs that provide resources to young people in need. Promoting Safe Options: For youth who feel they have no choice but to leave home, NRPM helps connect them with safe shelters, hotlines, and support networks. The National Runaway Safeline, for example, offers confidential counseling and resources to young people and families, providing a lifeline during moments of crisis. Engaging the Community: By encouraging local communities to come together, NRPM fosters collaboration between schools, social services, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and nonprofits. Community-wide efforts help ensure that youth who are at risk of running away have multiple, trusted points of contact for support. How You Can Get Involved There are many ways individuals, organizations, and communities can participate in NRPM, helping to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable youth: Donate to Youth Services: Many nonprofit organizations that focus on runaway prevention, such as the National Runaway Safeline, rely on donations to provide critical services. Contributing to these programs can help ensure they continue to provide a lifeline for young people in crisis. Volunteer or Partner with Local Agencies: Many local organizations offer volunteer opportunities to support runaway and homeless youth. Volunteering your time or expertise can make a lasting impact on the lives of at-risk youth. Spread Awareness: NRPM encourages social media campaigns, educational events, and local outreach to raise awareness. You can play a role by sharing information about the signs of runaway risk, the resources available, and how to support youth in need. Advocate for Policy Change: Advocacy is another critical aspect of NRPM. Communities can work to influence local and national policies that better address the root causes of youth homelessness and ensure there are enough resources available to support runaway prevention and intervention. Key Takeaways National Runaway Prevention Month serves as an essential reminder that every young person deserves a safe home and a supportive community. Running away is not a choice, but a sign that something is terribly wrong in a young person's life. By raising awareness, providing resources, and supporting prevention efforts, we can help reduce the number of youth who feel they have no other option but to leave home. Through collective action, we can make sure that more young people have the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive environment. If you or someone you know is in need of help, resources are available. The National Runaway Safeline provides confidential support, available 24/7. Call 1-800-RUNAWAY or visit their website for more information. This November, let’s all commit to being part of the solution and taking steps to keep our youth safe and supported—today and every day.