April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month: A Time to Protect and Empower Our Youth
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to reflect on the importance of protecting our children from abuse. In Indiana, an estimated 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. At the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide (ICPYAS), we are committed to educating and empowering individuals and communities to prevent child abuse through our prevention programs.
Our Programs: Empowering Our Community
Through programs like Stewards of Children, FIRST Response, Caring Classrooms, and NetSmartz Digital Safety, we equip adults and youth with the knowledge and tools to recognize and prevent abuse whether in-person or online. These programs are vital in helping create safer communities for children across Indiana, where nearly 30% of all reported cases of child abuse involve sexual abuse.
Join Us for the Rise Up for Kids Breakfast
This April, we invite you to join us for the 14th annual Rise Up for Kids fundraising breakfast on April 24, 2025, at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. The event will feature Erin Merryn, a nationally recognized advocate for child abuse prevention, as our keynote speaker. Erin’s personal story and dedication to the cause will inspire and empower all in attendance. This is a great opportunity to support our mission and learn how you can make a difference in preventing child abuse.
Exciting New Program Announcement
We are also excited to announce that in Fall 2025, we will introduce Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe for students in preschool through 12th grade. This evidence-based program provides comprehensive prevention education to prevent all forms of abuse, neglect, and online exploitation. Childhelp stands out for its enhanced reinforcement materials for parents and teachers, reflecting our commitment to ensuring every adult is equipped with tools to protect and support the children in their lives. We are excited to offer this trusted and effective program to help keep youth safe.
Taking Action
Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness, but the work continues year-round. We encourage you to get involved—whether by attending our breakfast, donating, or supporting our programs. Together, we can create a safer, brighter future for Indiana’s youth.
For more information about our programs or to get involved, visit the Programs tab.