Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2636

Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2636

In this episode of 'Stop Child Abuse Now,' we focus on Child Abuse Awareness Month with special guest Mike Tikkanen. As the founder and President of Kids at Risk Action (KARA), Tikkanen is a leading advocate for at-risk children. He shares insights into the severe challenges faced by children in abusive environments, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tikkanen emphasizes the importance of prevention, intervention, and recovery, highlighting the alarming statistics of child abuse and the lack of mandated reporters during lockdowns. The discussion moves to the ACEs healing model, a framework that focuses on helping children develop coping skills to overcome trauma. Tikkanen suggests that community leaders and stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, should be trained to screen for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to better support affected children.

Pamela Lockridge, the host, also highlights the role of organizations like Empower Survivors, which provide essential support and resources for abuse survivors. The episode underscores the vital role of community action and advocacy in creating safer environments for children. Tikkanen's call to action is clear: by raising awareness and implementing healing models, society can transform the lives of at-risk children into those of thriving adults.

The episode concludes with a hopeful message that through community efforts and awareness, significant progress can be made in the fight against child abuse. Listeners are encouraged to take an active role in prevention and to support initiatives that protect children.