April is National Child Abuse and Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Month
Governor Togiola Tulafono has proclaimed April as National Child Abuse and Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Month in the territory, and he urges all residents of American Samoa to “join in the vital task of protecting our children and young people from harm.”
The theme for this year’s campaign is “Nurture Our Children For Tomorrow.”
In his proclamation, Togiola commends “the dedicated parents, service providers, and all concerned individuals who lead by example in assisting our children.”
The problem of child abuse and teenage pregnancy significantly affects the health, and economic and educational future of many of American Samoa’s children and teenagers. The two are also complex and growing problems in the territory.
According to the Governor, American Samoa is committed to involving government agencies, churches, businesses, media, parents, educational institutions, policymakers, health service providers, and community based organizations in working diligently to provide protection, investigation, health care, education and services to children, teenagers, and families in an effort to prevent child abuse and teen pregnancy.
“Today, many families are experiencing negative social, medical, financial, and emotional impact of children having children,” Togiola proclaimed, adding that some families need to break the cycle of abuse and strengthen family life.
The Governor concluded by saying, “It has been found that through collaborative community efforts, child abuse and teen pregnancy can be prevented through open communication between parents and their children, and through community education awareness and support.”
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