VALLEY CITY, N.D. (Green Dot) – April Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, Valley City Green Dot encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Valley City a better place for children and families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help promote the social and emotional well-being of children and youth and prevent child maltreatment within
families and communities.

Protective factors are the strengths and resources families draw on during difficult times to shield them from life’s stresses. Research shows that when parents possess protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminishes and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted. Major protective factors include knowledge of parenting, knowledge of child development, parental resilience, social connections, and concrete support systems.

You can be a part of promoting and providing protective factors (green dots) to prevent Child Abuse in Valley City in so many ways! To be a Green Dot Bystander and help keep Valley City a safe place for families and children, you can: Affirm the parents in your life who are leading by example. Remind your friends and family that it is ok to be stressed and talk about healthy ways that all of you can manage that stress while creating a safe environment for all the kids that come in and out of all of your lives. Look for resources like books, podcasts, or even TikTokers who are sharing practical examples of ways to create safe communities and to encourage open spaces where kids are able to fully express themselves and be heard, especially if they are or they fear experiencing a red dot (a moment of harm).

Attend events that promote education, hope, and community building, like the Family Fair on April 23rd at the Hi-Liner Activity Center that focuses on fun and games while also providing resources. Open and free to the public with family-friendly games, food, and prizes.

Practice bystander skills by attending a Green Dot Bystander Training. We have a training on Thursday, April 18, from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, at the Grand Stay in Valley City. The training is free and open to the public! To register, email us or visit vcgreendot.com.

To learn more about Valley City Green Dot and to find out how you can support violence prevention efforts, find them on social media @VCGreenDot, online at vcgreendot.com, or contact coordinators, Kristin Petersen and Sharayah Robinson, at 701-840-6270 or VCGreenDot@gmail.com.