You can prevent child abuse by becoming knowledgeable about the topic and by reporting any good faith suspicions you may have. By becoming knowledgeable (see Resources), you might be more able to recognize warning signs of abuse, risk factors, or inappropriate behavior by adults. You also might want to join the efforts of Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota in its organized efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect.

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: the abuse and neglect of children must be stopped before it happens. Prevention actions include encouraging the media to inform the public about child abuse and neglect and its effects on children, adolescents and adults, recognizing potential abusers early and directing them to appropriate services, and empowering parents to protect their children. To truly prevent child abuse of any kind, we need to create a society that understands and respects children, protects them from harm, and shows them how to treat others in a positive and non-exploitive manner.