April dedicated to preventing child abuse Published April 6, 2015 By Barbara Severson-Olson 97th Medical Group ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- British former pop star Gary Glitter was recently sentenced to 16 years in prison for child sex abuse offenses he committed more than three decades ago. Glitter, 70, whose real name is Paul Gadd, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court in London for six offenses committed against three victims under the age of 13 between 1975 and 1980. There is no statute of limitations for such offenses in the United Kingdom. Sexual abuse is just one form of child abuse; physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse and neglect are all considered child abuse as well. Child protective services across the U.S. receive over 3 million reports of children being abused or neglected each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's about 6 complaints per minute, every day. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month; this month and throughout the year, the Family Advocacy Program encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Altus AFB a better place for children and families. According to U.S. Air Force Capt. Kristen Seitz, 97th Medical Group family advocacy officer, ensuring parents have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to care for their children helps promote children's social and emotional well-being and prevents child maltreatment. "Additionally, research shows that when parents possess six protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse is significantly reduces. These protective factors are nurturing and attachment, knowledge or parents and child development, parental resilience, social connections, concrete support for parents and social and emotional developmental well-being," said Seitz. The theme for this year's Child Abuse Prevention Month is, "Picture a Brighter Future for Our Children." The Family Advocacy Program's goal is planning April's activities to offer services for those who want to learn ways to improve their parenting skills or how to manage their anger or stress better. However, just spending time together as a family is just as important, and can help prevent abuse, said Seitz. The Family Advocacy Program has developed a calendar of events that include fun, inexpensive activities that families can do every day, such as taking a walk around the Altus Reservoir or playing their favorite card game. Other activities (noted with an asterisk) are classes hosted by the Family Advocacy Program: *April 7 - Attend a Parenting Lunch and Learn April 8 - Hang a wind sock April 13 - Visit a library during National Library Week April 17 - Plant flowers together April 21 - Play a favorite board game or card game *April 24 - Attend a Stress Management Lunch and Learn April 26 - Bake cookies together *April 28 - Attend a Parenting Lunch and Learn *April 30 - Attend "Home Alone" class with your child To sign up for any activity or to get more information, call the Family Advocacy Program at 580-481-5376.