“Pictures for Prevention” is a collection of drawings and paintings by children illustrating the exciting, fun and special moments they share with their families. By capturing and displaying this youthful energy, “Pictures for Prevention” works to prevent child abuse by building and strengthening the fundamental unit that makes up our communities, its families.
We all know that life can get busy and stressful, but this collection of artwork aims to remind parents and community members both of the importance of and joy that stems from families spending quality time together. This joy is brightly shown on the faces of children as they proudly exclaim, “This is what my family does together” or “I remember when we did this together.”
When families spend quality time together, relationships are strengthened and memories are formed. Children also learn how to communicate their feelings and adults become “askable”. This means when these familial bonds are nurtured, children are more likely to talk to their families about the good and difficult things that are happening in their lives.
A study by the Search Institute found a set of 40 assets that kids need as they grow. The assets were divided into two groups external and internal. External assets are things like family support, positive family communication and adult role models. The internal assets are things like honesty, responsibility and self-esteem. These assets work together to weave a web of positive support for the child. Researchers found that as the number of assets in a child’s life increase they are less likely to experience abuse or engage in abusive behavior. It also concluded the average young person experiences fewer than half of the 40 assets he or she needs.
Pictures for Prevention works to nurture a child’s pride in their self, pride in their family and also a sense of belonging. All of these are assets which kids need as they grow and learn in their families and communities.
Imagine how proud parents will feel when they see their own child proudly displaying not only what makes their family special and unique, but more importantly what makes it their own. “Pictures for Prevention” gives kids a chance to say what is important and meaningful to them.
In building relationships, we can work to prevent the abuse of children. Come and view your child’s art work in the “Pictures for Prevention” display.
Karsten Snitker
AmeriCorps, Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Iowa
Helping Services for Northeast Iowa
