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Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Catholic Church in New Hampshire is absolutely committed to the safety of children. Please read on to find ways that the Diocese of Manchester is recognizing this special month. For more information about our policies, training programs, and resources, use the links on the left side of this page.
Bishop Libasci shares how the Diocese of Manchester is committed to providing a safe environment for all children.
You Can Help Prevent Abuse!
Learn about the red flags of abusers, how to keep children safe, and how to report suspicions. Complete our free online training, Safe Haven. This training is required for all employees and for volunteers who work with minors, but we encourage all concerned adults to complete it. Learn more here.
Appropriate Boundaries in Ministry
The Diocese of Manchester has prepared the following guides for parents, school staff, and coaches on the topic of appropriate boundaries. When adults who work with minors observe appropriate boundaries, it helps to create a healthy and safe environment for children and youth.
Boundaries with Minors: Volunteer Handout
Boundaries Guide for Parents - English
Boundaries Guide for Parents - Español
Boundaries Guide for School Staff
Boundaries Guide for Coaches Handout
Boundaries Guide for Coaches Infographic
Wear Blue Day - Friday, April 4th
All children deserve great childhoods! As a way to express your stance against child abuse and to spread awareness about child abuse and neglect prevention, please consider wearing blue on Friday, April 4, 2025. Post photos to social media using #WearBlueDay2025 or e-mail your photo.
Mass to Pray for Those Affected by Abuse - April 24 at 5 p.m.
In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Diocese of Manchester invites you to a Mass to Pray for Those Affected by Abuse on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester. The celebrant will be Bishop Peter A. Libasci.
Visit our Victim Assistance webpage
You Can Help Prevent Child Abuse
Let’s remember that prevention is possible when families, communities, and systems come together. We are inspired by a quote that encapsulates the heart of this mission: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” - Frederick Douglass.
As we move forward, let us also honor the countless individuals, organizations, and policymakers who work tirelessly to protect children and support families. Together, we can break the cycle of abuse and create a brighter, safer future.
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are factors or situations in a child’s life that can lead to lifelong challenges, including chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance use issues. Creating and sustaining safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children and families can prevent ACEs (cdc.gov).
Let’s help all children reach their full potential and create communities in which every child can thrive!
Learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences and how you can help.
Blue Sunday - National Day of Prayer
April 27, 2025 marks the 31st Blue Sunday. Places of worship for all faiths are asked to join together in a day of prayer to demonstrate their appreciation to those who help abused or neglected children, and to support children and families who have been touched by abuse. National Blue Sunday Day of prayer for abused children began in 1994 with 20 churches. It’s grown to include more than 7.4 million participants on five continents.
Use our Prayers of the Faithful for today’s Mass and other Masses during April.
Sample Prayers of the Faithful
Pinwheels for Prevention®
The Diocese of Manchester has partnered with Prevent Child Abuse America and the New Hampshire Children’s Trust to promote the Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign. Pinwheels serve as a symbol to remind us that all children deserve happy and safe childhoods. Find out how to "plant" a pinwheel garden.
Our colorful pinwheel templates feature three designs with positive messages for children, teens, and adults. The activity guide also includes discussion cards parents can use to jump start conversations about child safety with their children. Include the pinwheels in your gardens or displays, on bulletin boards, as part of a classroom lesson about personal safety, or make them at home.
Bulletin Announcements
Twenty-Four Bulletin Announcements to Promote Child Safety
Get started during Child Abuse Prevention month with these bulletin announcements and continue using them throughout the year.
Infographics
Do you know the warning signs of abusers? Do you know how to respond if a child tells you that he or she has been abused? Would you like to learn more about what the Catholic Church in New Hampshire is doing to prevent abuse? Our infographics can help answer these questions. Please print and distribute, or pin our infographics to your Pinterest board.
Download Infographics Please use in church bulletins or school newsletters, pin on bulletin or Pinterest boards, or distribute to parents, volunteers, and parishioners.
Click on the images below to view our infographics. For poster-sized versions, contact cbroketa@rcbm.org.
