Prayer Call: End Child Abuse

This April 2020 prayer call for Child Abuse Prevention Month on Blue Sunday is for children experiencing maltreatment; the hurt individuals who hurt them; and the state agencies, organizations, and leaders who advocate for their protection as well as the healing of the family unit.

Prayer Requests:

• Pray that children experiencing maltreatment find and maintain hope.

• Pray for the protection and complete healing and restoration of children experiencing abuse and/or neglect and for the adult men and women who have experienced childhood abuse and/or neglect.

• One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
• Most child abuse incidents are drug and alcohol related.
• Within one year of aging out of the foster care system, 66% of victims will be homeless, in jail or dead.
• There are over 100,000 children waiting for adoption in the United States.
• More female than male prisoners experience abuse or trauma as a child or adult.

• Pray for healing, restoration, and provision in the areas that increase the likelihood of children being abused or neglected, including:

• Parents’ lack of understanding of children’s needs, child development and parenting skills
• Parental history of child abuse and or neglect
• Substance abuse and/or mental health issues including depression in the family
• Parental characteristics such as young age, low education, single parenthood, large number of dependent children, and low income
• Nonbiological, transient caregivers in the home (e.g., mother’s male partner)
• Parental thoughts and emotions that tend to support or justify maltreatment behaviors

• Pray for strength, support, and provision in the areas that lessen the likelihood of children being abused or neglected, including:

• Supportive family environment and social networks
• Concrete support for basic needs
• Nurturing parenting skills
• Stable family relationships
• Household rules and child monitoring
• Parental employment
• Parental education
• Adequate housing
• Access to health care and social services
• Caring adults outside the family who can serve as role models or mentors

• Pray continued strength through Jesus Christ for the state agencies, organizations, and leaders serving to house, protect, educate, mentor, counsel, and support these vulnerable children, adults, and families.