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Child sexual abuse poisons all segments of society - families, schools, churches, community organizations, and health and welfare institutions. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 7 children in the United States experiences some form of childhood sexual abuse or neglect. That number is heartbreaking and cries out for a response.

Amid turmoil and trials, pain and suffering, war and violence, poverty and disease, our world needs a reminder of the hope of the Resurrection, which we just celebrated with exultant joy this Easter. This is especially true during April, which is child abuse prevention month. There’s no avoiding the painful reality that reports about child sex abuse within schools, families, and churches are reminders of past failures to protect young people. They are occasions of great pain and suffering that call for justice and healing.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As we raise awareness around the protection of young people, I would like to share with you my own experiences both here in the Diocese of Providence and in the wider Church. You may already be familiar with some or all of what I will say, but the importance of this topic bears repeating, and I invite your response and active participation as the People of God.

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - PROVIDENCE — Children are a gift to be treasured and cared for, treated with dignity and raised morally. Unfortunately, the reality is that far too many children around the world suffer abuse every year. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Catholic Church recognizes this terrible threat to the children of God.

“The Diocese has had and will continue to have strong policies and procedures in place to make sure that our kids are as safe as possible when participating in parish, school or diocesan activities,” said Kevin O’Brien, the director of the Office of Compliance for the Diocese of Providence.