April is child abuse prevention month and the Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk is working to get the word out about fighting child abuse.

Kiwanis Club member, Susan Shockner, said while violent and sexual abuse occurs here in the High Country, a more subtle form of child abuse is more prevalent.

Shockner said, “The thing that they see most of all here is neglect.  Parents who are on drugs spend their money on drugs and booze and they don’t take care of their children.”

Adults can help stop child abuse by listening to children to help identify when abuse may be occurring, making sure personnel at schools are trained in sexual abuse prevention, and teaching children what to do in the event of an assault.

Residents can call 1-800-CHILDREN or 1-800-4-A-CHILD to report child abuse.