Ever since the spring of 1989 when a Virginia Grandmother named Bonnie began wearing a Blue Ribbon as a tribute to her grandson … a three year old whose mother’s abusive boyfriend killed him, concerned citizens all over America have worn the blue ribbon as a symbol to prevent child abuse and neglect.

The Blue Ribbon Campaign is gaining national momentum. It is one way that everyone can play a role in the awareness of violence against children -- in all its forms. By demonstrating your concern and commitment, others will want to wear the ribbon too. It’s a powerful way to rally everyone in your community to support public awareness for child abuse prevention and programs that help parents and children.

Click here to purchase Blue Ribbon pins. By wearing the Blue Ribbon pin you are making a difference for children!

Love Our Children USA invites you to challenge people to display a blue ribbon in every business, every church and synagogue, every school, every hospital, and in every home... challenge kids and adults to wear their blue ribbons proudly. Please involve your neighborhood and community... ask everyone to respond to this national challenge. Learn about the issue of child abuse and encourage your friends to do the same. Please join the nation in preventing child abuse.

Each year over 3 million children are victims of child abuse, and those are ONLY the ones that are reported … each year almost 1.8 million children are reported missing – many of them abducted from their own homes and front yards. Child abuse kills more than 3 children every day in the U.S.

Because so many cases of child abuse go unreported, it is estimated that the actual number of victims is 3 times greater than the actual reports. Children in the USA are more apt to die from abuse than from accidents.

Violence against children comes in the forms of: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, emotional and verbal abuse, abandonment, and death. Love Our Children USA is committed to raising awareness, educating the public. In order to make a bigger impact it is essential that communities all over the country get involved.

Do you know:

In the year 2000, an average of 2,400 children each day were victims of child abuse.

NUMBERS: Each week, child protective services (CPS) agencies throughout the United States receive more than 50,000 reports of suspected child abuse or neglect.

CHILDREN: No group of children is immune. Boys and girls are almost equally likely to experience neglect and physical abuse. However, girls are four times more likely to experience sexual abuse.

Children of all races and ethnicities experience child abuse. In 2000, more than one-half of all reported victims were White (51 percent); one-quarter (25 percent) were African American; and 14 percent were Hispanic. American Indian/Alaska Natives accounted for two percent of victims, and Asian/Pacific Islanders accounted for one percent of victims.

Children of all ages experience abuse, but the youngest children are most vulnerable. Children younger than one year old accounted for nearly one-half (44 percent) of child abuse and neglect deaths reported in 2000; 85 percent of the children who died were younger than six years of age.

PERPETRATORS: At least 4 out of 5 victims are abused by at least one parent.

By definition, perpetrators of child abuse and neglect are the very people responsible for the child's safety and well-being (including parents, other relatives, and babysitters).

The most common group of people found to be responsible for neglect and physical abuse were mothers acting alone (47 percent and 32 percent of victims, respectively). In cases of sexual abuse, non-relatives and fathers acting alone are more likely to be responsible (29 percent and 22 percent of victims, respectively).

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2002).

Please take a few moments this month to remind children you know that:

· Violence affects all of us whether we are directly involved or   witnesses.
· It is our duty and the law to report it
· No one ever deserves to be abused.
· Children are never to blame for the abuse and violence that are   inflicted upon them.
· Children should always telling a trusted adult about the abuse

To learn more about child abuse click here

The price of each Blue Ribbon pin is$7.00 including shipping and handling. Click Here to purchase online or call 212.629.2099 or 1.888.347.KIDS.

You can also buy Blue Ribbons by check. Please make your checks payable to Love Our Children USA and sent to Love Our Children USA, 220 East 57th Street, 9th Floor - Suite G, New York, NY 10022-2820.

We'll send your Blue Ribbon pins immediately so you can begin to raise awareness for America's kids!

For every blue ribbon that is worn across the country ... is another child in America who has bruises, who cries, who hurts, who is afraid, and sadly - who we may have already lost.

ALL children so desperately need and want is love, safety, and nurturing! Child abuse is everyone’s problem! Let’s create beautiful dreams for our kids... instead of shattering them!

What Individuals Can Do To Help Build The Bridge From Prevention Awareness To Action In Your Community:

It is up to us to build strong communities where families and children live. It is in these communities that children are safest from abuse and neglect. Here are some things you can do as a concerned individual:

Raise The Issue
Call or write your candidates and elected officials to educate them about issues in your community and the need for child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment programs.

Encourage your local school district and faith community to sponsor classes and support programs for new parents.

Reach Out To Kids And Parents In Your Community.
Supporting kids and parents in your family and in your community helps to reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. Be a good neighbor. Offer to baby-sit. Donate your children's used clothing, furniture, and toys for use by another family. Be kind and supportive, particularly to new parents and children.

Remember The Risk Factors
Child abuse and neglect occur in all segments of our society, but the risk factors are greater in families where parents:

- Abuse alcohol or drugs
- Are isolated from their families or communities
- Have difficulty controlling their anger or stress
- Appear uninterested in the care, nourishment, or safety of   their children 
- Seem to be having serious economic, housing, or personal   problems

Recognize Some Of The Warning Signs That A Child Might Be Abused Or Neglected:
- Nervousness around adults
- Aggression toward adults or other children
- Inability to stay awake or to concentrate for extended periods
- Sudden, dramatic changes in personality or activities
- Acting out sexually or showing interest in sex that is not
  appropriate for his or her age
- Frequent or unexplained bruises or injuries
- Low self-esteem
- Poor hygiene

Report Suspected Abuse Or Neglect
If you even suspect abuse or neglect report it—and keep reporting it—until something is done. Contact child protective services (in your local phone book) or your local police department.

Other Ways You Can Help

- Build a support network by getting involved in your
  neighborhood.
- Develop friendly relationships with your neighbors and their   children.
- Problems often seem less overwhelming when you have   support nearby.
- Get involved in your child's school. Join the parent-teacher
  association and attend school events.
- Talk to your friends and neighbors about to stop violence against children.