Child abuse prevention merits year-round talk

Among other things, April is recognized as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month” across the United States.

The annual observance, which began in 1983, focuses on preventing child abuse and neglect in all of its forms and ensuring kids grow up in a safe and loving environment.

The Revised Code of Washington defines abuse and neglect “as injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances which indicate that the child’s health, welfare and safety is harmed.” The code adds that the physical discipline of a child is not the...