OKMULGEE – April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month- a national observance to help raise awareness and to help bring communities together in knowledge to prevent child abuse and neglect.
According to the Indian Health Service, at least 1 in 7 children has experienced abuse or neglect in the past year, and some of the statistics may be underestimated due to unreported cases. These child maltreatments can be physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse and neglect.
According to the IHS, “Abused, neglected, and maltreated children may suffer not only acute physical injuries, but ongoing long-term abuse can also have chronic, lasting effects such as emotional and psychological health sequela, a condition which is the consequence of a previous disease or injury.”
On April 1, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill signed a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.
The proclamation stated that the MCN seeks to protect the rights, welfare, and safety of its citizens and children.
“Child abuse and neglect is a complex and ongoing problem within our Nation and society, affecting many Muscogee (Creek) families; and every Muscogee (Creek) child is entitled to be loved, cared for, nurtured, to feel secure and be free from verbal, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, and neglect; and it is the responsibility of every adult who comes in contact with a Muscogee (Creek) child to protect that child’s right to a safe and nurturing childhood; and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has dedicated individuals and organizations who work daily to counter the problem of child abuse and neglect and to help parents obtain the assistance they need,” stated Principal Chief Hill.
MCN Children and Family Services Team Program Manager Kayce Isham (Choctaw) shared how their department has spread awareness.
Their program had done a Blue Ribbon Week for the tribe, themes have been “From head to toe, say NO to child abuse,” “Put a ‘Cap’ on Child Abuse,” “Stand Together Against Child Abuse,” “Peace Out Child Abuse,” and “Go Blue Day”.
This is not only about having fun with different clothing, but also about spreading awareness about child abuse, stated Isham.
“It’s not something that people often talk about, and then we’re also going to be having a walk on April 30,” Isham said.
Isham also explained some of the signs of child abuse that a child can have such as unexplained bruises that are continuous or sudden change of behavior. “There’s a difference in like play bruises and bruises you have no explanation,” Isham said.
Isham says that it is very important that the community knows more about this awareness month.
“I think often people are afraid to say something in fear of retaliation from their family or maybe they just think it’s not so severe but if we can stop child abuse, we can stop cycles of trauma that children face daily,” Isham said.
Isham wants people to know that if you see something going on, their department will investigate any abuse within the reservation of Native children. They can also call anonymously and the reporter will be protected by law. She explains that they will not disclose who tells their department or who reported the abuse.
If a child discloses abuse to anyone, you can report to law enforcement, Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-522-351, or call their department 918-732-7869.
