For more than 30 years, April has been recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect. This month is also a time dedicated to encouraging individuals and communities to support children and families while preventing abuse from happening.

Finally. Last week in Australia marked the launch of our country's historic Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. More than 5,000 people are expected to share their experiences with the Commission.

When they are young we teach our kids to look both ways before crossing the road, we tell them that skull and crossbones on a container means poison, and we warn them about talking to strangers. We don't, however, talk to them about what to do if an adult does something to hurt them or make them feel uncomfortable.

Sequestration is a scary word. Outside of Washington, D.C., it has the sense of seizing property or isolating juries. But the D.C. definition -- a general cut in funding -- carries a real likelihood of danger. Danger to children.

We all have a role to play in supporting survivors and preventing abuse. Now through October 2nd, I am asking people everywhere to commit to support a parent or caregiver by offering a helping hand, preparing a meal together or simply asking how they're doing.

Although the Nurse Family Partnership is a stellar example of how to design, test, and replicate an intervention, solving high-cost problems such as child maltreatment, unintentional injuries, and poor cognitive development requires more than replicating a single promising intervention.

Since 1983, April has been recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month -- a time to raise awareness about child abuse and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families.

I promised Elsie I wouldn't say anything to her mom, but that was where the promise ended. I knew I couldn't sit idly by. But who should I tell? A teacher? Social worker?