# data[].attributes.body
The community focus on child abuse has grown over the past couple of years. This is due to a number of people affected by the abuse. National and International associations have been made to stop child abuse.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
The Daily Nonpareil - Council Bluffs, Iowa

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Recent events such as the Healthy Families Drive, Family Fun Fair and Pinwheels for Prevention have had the community's attention this month as Council Bluffs and surrounding areas have focused on child abuse awareness.

Stakeholders such as Promise Partners are hoping the events will "ignite the power of collaborative action to achieve our mission of empowering a caring community that promises the well-being of every child," said Executive Director Patricia Russmann.

Russmann said the recent focus can help the community understand that abuse and neglect has the potential to occur in families when there is a great deal of stress.

"There can be a multitude of underlying risk factors," she said.

Things like family history of violence, drug or alcohol abuse, poverty and chronic health problems can increase the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.

If maltreatment occurs, Russmann stated that Adverse Childhood Experiences, often termed "ACEs," could result.

"ACEs are incidents that dramatically upset the safe, nurturing environment children need to thrive," explained Russmann.

These experiences could cause a child to struggle in school, increase the chances of health problems, and could have long-term negative impacts on their well-being.

Prevention is key.

"The ultimate goal is to stop abuse and neglect before it starts," Russmann said.

Promise Partners advocates for strategies that promote safe and stable relationships and environments for children and families. Russmann further explained that these relationships can help build resiliency, which is the ability to adapt, cope and thrive despite difficulties.

"Not all children who are exposed to trauma will experience long-term problems," she said, citing that resiliency plays a crucial role in the well-being of children and families.

Asked how the community can help year round with child abuse awareness and prevention, Russmann said there are always opportunities to volunteer, donate, advocate and connect.

She suggested advocating with elected officials to encourage policies and budgets that make child protection a priority. Volunteering or donating to a local nonprofit, through the giving of time or events like the upcoming Pottawattamie Gives! fundraiser, are ways individuals can make a difference.

Russmann also promoted the idea of building resiliency, saying the community can "look for everyday opportunities to make connections and build relationships with families."
- Wendy Kaiser is the executive director of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Network, a Council Bluffs nonprofit agency that seeks to make an impact in the mental health and substance abuse fields through a collaborative effort to bring nonprofits across southwest Iowa together.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Continued community focus on child abuse, prevention

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Recent events such as the Healthy Families Drive, Family Fun Fair and Pinwheels for Prevention have had the community's attention this month as Council Bluffs and surrounding areas have focused on child abuse awareness.

# data[].attributes.body
The theme is "Child abuse is horrible for everyone involved." That is because he was abused by his stepdad and once others found out, there was a lot of turmoil in the little town. His mom, friends, teachers, even strangers came to see how he was doing, crying and praying

# data[].attributes.body
The main antagonistic person is his stepdad, who hits and abuses him when no one else is looking. The main conflict is him accepting that his father beats him all the time, that he thinks his mother doesn't care for him and only his stepdad.

# data[].attributes.body
John is the protagonist of the story. He is a young high-schooler who has little friends and has an abusive father.

# data[].attributes.body
The setting takes place i n small American town on the east coast. Most of the story takes place either at John's school or house. The setting is important in most cases because the events that happen in specific place cause certain things to happen.