What is the National Day of Hope?

On February 14, 2000, the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed a Resolution in support of the efforts of Childhelp USA to recognize the problem of child abuse and neglect and to enhance public awareness of it through a National Day of Hope.

The Resolution asks that 1) all Americans keep abused and victimized children in their thoughts and prayers; 2) all Americans seek to break the cycle of abuse and neglect; and 3) that the faith community, non-profit organizations, and volunteers across America recommit themselves and mobilize their resources to assist abused and neglected children.

A similiar resolution was introduced in the U.S. Senate in February of 2001.

Activities vary with each state and community. Some of the events include:

The Cycle of Hope 2001 cross-country motorcycle ride.

On the first Wednesday of April, people across the country light 3-wick candles and observe 3 minutes of silence or prayer in recognition of the 3 children who die each day from abuse and neglect, and the millions more who suffer. 

Members of the U.S. Congress, governors and mayors are asked to open their legislative sessions or other meetings on the first Wednesday in April with the lighting of a 3-wick candle and a prayer or moment of silence in observance of the 3 children who die each day of child abuse.

Religious leaders light 3-wick candles during services on the weekend prior to the National Day of Hope, and lead their congregations in prayer for abused and neglected children everywhere. In addition, they ask their congregations to keep these children in their prayers, especially on the National Day of Hope.

Participating restaurants donate proceeds from meals enjoyed at designated tables to Childhelp USA treatment and prevention programs that directly benefit abused and neglected children.

TV stations in selected U.S. cities display a National Day of Hope candle on their news anchors' desks, and air stories on the subject of child abuse.

Why a National Day of Hope?

The fact that child abuse is against the law in every state is simply not enough.  Everyone must play a role, if we are to change these tragic, national statistics:

More than 3 children die each day as a result of abuse in the home.¹

In 1998, approximately 3 million child abuse reports were made. ¹

The actual incidence of abuse and neglect is estimated to be 3 times greater than the number reported to authorities.²

How You Can Make a Difference

Learn the signs and symptoms of abuse.  Report known or suspected child abuse to the local child protective services or law enforcement agency. If you don’t know whom to contact or have questions about child abuse, call the Childhelp USA^® National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD^®.

Help a stressed-out parent to cope.  Offer to baby-sit, make dinner for them, or just lend an understanding ear.

Volunteer your time and talents. Call the Childhelp USA national headquarters (480/922-8212) to find out if a chapter, auxiliary or Childhelp USA facility which utilizes community volunteers is located near you.

Include the Childhelp USA^® National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD^® in materials distributed to employees and customers.  Paint the number on your company’s fleet of vehicles.

Participate in your employer’s corporate giving or matching donation program, and specify organizations that serve abused children.

Encourage your company to support child abuse non-profit agencies through cause-related marketing, corporate sponsorships or gift-in-kind donations.

Organize an event to raise money for programs serving abused children.  This may include golf tournaments, community carnivals, or 5K and 10K races.

¹U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Child Maltreatment 1998: Reports from the States to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000).

² U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Center of Child Abuse and Neglect.  Third National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect: Final Report (NIS-3) (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1996).

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