What is Child Abuse?

Child abuse takes many forms, including:

• Physical abuse: Inflicting bodily harm or injury on a child.

• Emotional abuse: Damaging a child's self-esteem through verbal attacks, threats, or rejection.

• Sexual abuse: Sexual molestation by engaging a child in sexual activities or exploitation.

• Neglect: Failing to provide essential needs (i.e., food, shelter, medical care).

The consequences of abuse can be devastating to children, leading to issues such as difficulty forming relationships, academic struggles, increased risk of substance abuse, and mental health issues.

Child abuse and neglect continue to affect children in every community. The impact can be profound—physically, emotionally, and psychologically—and often lasts well into adulthood.

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment where they feel loved, protected, and valued. Addressing child abuse is not the responsibility of a few—it requires all of us. Each person plays a vital role in the healthy development and safety of children.

In the case of abuse, silence is not golden—it’s dangerous. When a child is harmed, the consequences ripple far beyond the moment. Without intervention, abuse can shape not only their future, but the futures of generations to come. We each have a responsibility to recognize the signs, understand the realities, and take action to prevent harm.

Prevention, early intervention, and community awareness are powerful tools. Together, they can help end child abuse and build a world where every child is safe, supported, and free to thrive.

“Protecting children is not optional—it’s essential!”

It Truly Takes A Village To Prevent Child Abuse!

Protecting a child starts with each of us!

Click the button below to learn more about our annual Child Abuse Prevention Community Forum

Child Abuse Can Be Prevented!

“Safety is a right, not a privilege.”

It is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls, however, is not affected by race, region, or socio-economic status. The prevalence of autism has increased since it was first diagnosed in the U.S. to an alarming rate of 1 in 36 children in the U.S.

Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. However, autism is not a hopeless condition. About 40% of children with autism are non-verbal. Early intervention and treatment can help some non-verbal children they find their voice enabling them to better understand and communicate with others.

It is important to understand that no two persons with autism are the same. Symptoms of autism vary greatly from person to person within a wide spectrum.

Studies have shown that children who receive a more structured learning environment with individualized attention have a better outcome for success.

If a child is diagnosed with autism as a child, they will have autism as an adult. However, it has been proven that with early intervention, the diverse symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved, and in some cases some symptoms may be overcome completely.

We’re proud to offer our annual Autism Awareness Fair each April and other events to provide activities and resources that celebrate and support families of children and adults with autism. These offerings are designed to be inclusive, accessible, and enriching for all.

Highlights include:

Sensory-friendly recreational activities

Educational workshops for families and caregivers

Community art and storytelling projects

Resource guides for support services and advocacy

Inclusive activities designed for children and adults with autism

Educational resources for families, caregivers, and educators

Mental health support tools tailored to neurodiverse needs

Whether you're looking to learn, connect, or simply celebrate, there will be a place for you here.

We invite you to join us in celebrating neurodiversity and advocating for a world where love never hurts—and everyone belongs.

Celebrating Neurodiversity

Autism Awareness Month is just one part of our year-round commitment to supporting families and individuals facing struggles, such as:

We’re here to provide education, resources, and hope—because every person deserves to be seen, respected, and loved.

Most of all, Love Should Never Hurt!

Our Broader Mission

• Domestic violence and teen dating violence

• Sexual assault and bullying

• Suicide prevention and substance abuse

• Mental health challenges across all ages

💙 What Is Autism?

Autism intersects with many of the challenges we address—mental health, bullying, isolation, and access to resources. By raising awareness and offering support, we help build safer, more compassionate communities where neurodiverse individuals can thrive.

💙 Autism Awareness Month

At Love Should Never Hurt, we believe that every individual deserves to be seen, heard, and supported—especially those navigating life with autism and the families who walk beside them. Each April, we’re proud to honor Autism Awareness Month with an inclusive program that reflects our commitment to education, empowerment, and emotional well-being.

Join Us for Our Annual Autism Awareness Fair

Neurodiversity is not a problem to fix, but a perspective to honor.

To participate in our annual

Autism Awareness Fair, click the button.

Abuse can have a negative impact on anyone and negatively affect a person's sense of self-worth.

💚 Mental Health Awareness Month: Breaking the Silence, Finding Healing

At Love Should Never Hurt, we recognize that mental health and trauma are deeply intertwined—especially for survivors of abuse. Whether the abuse was physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological, its impact can echo through every part of a person’s life.

Survivors may face:

• Anxiety, depression, and PTSD

• Substance abuse and emotional dysregulation

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in life

• Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite

These are not signs of weakness—they are responses to trauma. And they deserve care, not judgment.

The Weight of Stigma and Shame

Stigma and shame often surround the topic of domestic violence and other forms of abuse, making it difficult for survivors to seek help. But let us be clear: No survivor should ever feel ashamed for the actions of their abuser. The shame belongs solely to the perpetrator—not the person who endured the harm.

Compassion and understanding are powerful antidotes to stigma. When we listen without judgment and offer support, we help survivors begin their journey toward healing.

You Are Not Alone.

Whether the abuse occurred in childhood or adulthood, every survivor deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Your safety and well-being matter above all else. You have the right to live a life free from fear and abuse.

At Love Should Never Hurt, we meet survivors where they are—with resources, education, and trauma-informed care that help break the chains of abuse. Through support, survivors can rediscover their worth and realize that:

"Healing is not about erasing the past—it’s about reclaiming your power and finding peace within the scars that tell your story."

A Message of Hope

If you or someone you love has experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence, or child abuse—and you’ve found your way to our website—you are already one step closer to healing. We encourage you to reach out. The resources are here. The support is real. And your journey toward healing can begin today.

Mental Health Awareness Month: Healing After Abuse

Experiencing physical or emotional abuse can have lasting effects on mental health. Survivors often face a wide range of psychological and emotional challenges.

These struggles may be accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, fear, and isolation. The trauma inflicted by abuse—whether domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence, child abuse, or other forms—can deeply impact a person’s sense of self-worth and emotional stability.

Mental health is not separate from physical health—depression and trauma can affect the body just as much as the mind.

Support Is Essential

Healing begins with compassionate, trauma-informed care. It is vital that survivors receive support from trusted professionals and service providers who understand the complexities of abuse and its impact on mental health.

At Love Should Never Hurt, we are committed to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and connecting individuals and families with the resources they need to heal and thrive.

Abuse—whether physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological—can have devastating effects on mental health. Both children and adults, including those who’ve experienced bullying, may suffer long-term emotional and psychological consequences.

Survivors often face:

• Anxiety, depression, and PTSD

• Substance abuse and emotional dysregulation

• Feelings of shame, guilt, and fear

• Self-criticism, self-destructive behaviors, and suicidal thoughts

The trauma inflicted by abuse can lead to:

• Persistent sadness and hopelessness

• Hypervigilance and emotional numbness

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

• Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common consequence of domestic violence, often marked by:

• Intrusive memories

• Flashbacks and nightmares

• Emotional detachment or “shutting down”

• A loss of agency—the feeling of no longer being in control of one’s life

These symptoms are not signs of weakness—they are the body and mind’s response to trauma. And they deserve care, compassion, and professional support.

The Impact of Abuse on Mental Health On Children and Teenagers

To learn more, contact: nimhinfo@nih.gov

For local resources, email: info@namiarizona.org

If you or a loved one is in an

immediate crisis,

call 988.

Want to Bring a Forum to Your Group?

If you're part of a school, organization, faith group, or community that would benefit from a trauma-informed forum on mental health, abuse awareness, or healing—we’d love to partner with you. To request a forum, please click the button below.

Your Life Matters!

"Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step to reach that goal. "

For help, call the NAMI Helpline at

800-950-6264

Abuse—whether physical, emotional, sexual, or through bullying—can have a profound impact on the mental health of children and adolescents. Young survivors often struggle with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, which may go unnoticed or unspoken. Tragically, suicide is one of the leading causes of death among youth, and trauma from abuse is a significant contributing factor. Early intervention, compassionate support, and trauma-informed care are critical to helping young people heal and reclaim their futures.

Abuse and trauma can manifest in subtle ways—especially in young people. These signs are often mistaken for typical adolescent behavior, but they may signal deeper emotional distress:

• Frequent absences from school or sudden drop in academic performance

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or social activities

• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities once enjoyed

• Engaging in risky behaviors (e.g., substance use, unsafe sex, reckless driving)

• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

• Irritability, mood swings, or emotional outbursts

• Excessive guilt, shame, or self-blame

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Expressions of hopelessness or feeling “numb”

• Talking about death, self-harm, or suicide

These signs are not just “phases”—they may be cries for help. Early intervention can save lives.

If you’re struggling with the emotional impact of trauma, please don’t carry it alone. Even a conversation with a trusted friend, mentor, or physician can be the lifeline that helps you hold on, find hope, and take the first step toward healing. 

Support is closer than you think!

You deserve it!

Understanding the Deeper Wounds

💚

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Feeling Hopeless? You’re Not Alone.

If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of hopelessness, despair, or emotional pain—please reach out. There are caring, trained professionals ready to listen, support you, and connect you with local resources to help you rediscover your strength and worth.

Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:

988

Join Us in October at Our Community Forum on Suicide Prevention and Domestic Violence Awareness to be followed by a Candlelight Vigil for Victims and Survivors

Click the button below for more information and your personal invitation to join us.

Join us as we engage in efforts to help others regain their sense of self-worth and value through community forums and awareness campaigns.

To participate in an Out of the Darkness Walk Community Walk, please contact the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at afsp.org

Need Support or Want to Host a Forum?

Each year, Love Should Never Hurt offers community forums focused on suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and trauma-informed care. These events bring together local agencies and professionals to provide education, resources, and immediate support.

If you’d like to attend one of our upcoming forums—or invite us to present to your school, organization, or community group—we’d be honored to partner with you.

Love Walks With You

Suicide is a critical public health issue with lasting impacts on individuals, families, and entire communities. The hopeful truth is that suicide is preventable. Prevention requires compassion, awareness, and action at every level--from individuals, families to schools, workplaces, and public institutions. A collective effort is necessary. Strategies must be implemented at every level of society, from individuals and schools, workplaces, and communities to prevent suicide. Each of us can play a role by recognizing the warning signs, fostering resilience, promoting mental wellness, and advocating for meaningful social change.

💔Suicide Is Preventable 💜

Who Is Most at Risk

Suicide affects people of all ages and backgrounds—but some groups face especially high risk:

• Children ages 5–11: Suicide is among the leading causes of death

• Teens and young adults: Often impacted by bullying, peer pressure, and identity struggles

• Older adults: Isolation, grief, and chronic illness can increase vulnerability

• Public safety personnel: First responders and law enforcement face high levels of trauma and stress

• Veterans: Thousands of veterans each year take their lives, as a result of PTSD and the traumatic experiences they face in service.

The fact is that suicide affects people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Pressures That Can Lead to Suicide.

Many factors can contribute to suicidal thoughts, especially when someone feels isolated or overwhelmed:

• Bullying and peer pressure

• Abuse or trauma

• Mental health challenges

• Substance use

• Chronic illness or pain

• Financial stress or job loss

• Loneliness and grief

• Lack of access to support

Let’s work together to bring hope, healing, and awareness where it’s needed most!

“More than anything, my wish for you is this: That when your awful darkest days come, you will know you’re not alone. Pain will tell you to keep quiet, but that’s a lie. Life is fragile and we all break in different ways. I hope you know you can be honest. I hope you know that you can ask for help. Did you catch that? It is absolutely positively okay to ask for help. It simply means you’re human. Help is real and it is possible; people find it every day.”
— Jamie Tworkowski, IF YOU FEEL TOO MUCH

“This life. This night. Your story. Your pain. Your hope. It matters. All of it matters.”
— Jamie Tworkowski

You Are Valued!

Everyone can help prevent suicide by:

• Learning the warning signs

• Listening without judgment

• Promoting resilience and mental health wellness

• Connecting others to professional help

• Advocating for access to care social change

Even a simple conversation with a trusted friend or physician can be the lifeline someone needs to hold on and find hope.

What You Can Do

Don't Give Up!

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

Domestic violence covers a wide range of harmful acts that occur within a household toward another member of that household and can include a spouse, partner, child, sibling, parent, grandparent or other related person, and roommate. The harmful acts can include physical and emotional abuse, as well as neglect and financial abuse. The primary purpose by the perpetrator of domestic violence is to control another person. Domestic violence affects both women and men, married and unmarried, young and old, and gay or straight. One's socio-economic or education status or religion affiliation have no bearing on whether a person experiences domestic violence or if a person chooses to be a perpetrator of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is perhaps the most pervasive crime that enters into the life of too many people of all ages. Too often children experience domestic violence either through child abuse directed specifically at them or by witnessing domestic violence of a parent, caregiver, sibling, or other person in their home. Domestic Violence can result in years of trauma and physical injuries, as well as long term health, social, and economic consequences for the victims and those who witness it.

Childhood exposure to violence, especially in the home, can lead to significant harmful effects on their emotional and mental well-being that can last into adulthood. Unfortunately, it had been shown that a child who witnesses violence in the home has an increased risk of engaging in criminal activity and developing a substance use disorder and being at a greater risk of suffering from depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. The greatest opportunity we have to end domestic violence is through programs that offer education about what comprises a healthy relationship and support for survivors of domestic violence to end the cycle of abuse.

Approximately 618,000 children in the United States experienced child abuse and neglect in 2020 and 1,750 children died due to child abuse or neglect. It has been found that men who witnessed domestic violence among their parents were twice as likely to commit domestic violence against their own wives than sons who were raised in non-violent homes.

Domestic violence is typically not a one-time occurrence. It is usually a repeated pattern of abuse that threatens the physical and emotional well-being of the abused person, often leaving the them to feel helpless. In 2022, the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) revealed that there were more than 1.3 million instances of domestic violence, with half of those victimizations not reported to police. In the United States a woman is assaulted or beaten every 9 seconds, and everyday more than three women are murdered by their husbands, partners, or boyfriends. Domestic violence was reported as being a top concern among 92% of women in a survey. It is estimated that approximately 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.

While domestic violence usually begins in the home, it is a crime that also occurs outside the home and oftentimes within the workplace. The Family Violence Prevention Fund reported that 74% of working, battered women are harassed and stalked by their abuser while at the workplace. In 2000, the U.S. Dept. of Labor reported that homicide was the second leading cause of death on the job. Lack of productivity and absenteeism are often by-products of domestic violence due to the physical and mental suffering the victim experiences. It is estimated that workplace violence due to domestic violence costs employers between $3-5 billion each year.

Data from the U.S. Crime Report reveals that about one in five homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner. It also reports that more than 50% of female homicide victims are killed by a current or former male intimate partner.

The question is often thought or asked,

"Why doesn't she or he just leave the relationship?"

There can be a variety of reasons why someone may not leave an abusive relationship. It may be because of financial hardships; it may be because of fear or a belief that the abuser will change. It may be because the victim still loves the abuser. Ultimately, it is not for anyone to blame the victim for the abuse they suffer. Leaving can be the most dangerous time for abuse. The greatest gift that anyone can give to someone experiencing abuse is compassion and support. It is proven that by raising awareness and education on the effects of domestic violence, we can each play a part in fostering an environment where a survivor of domestic violence feels safe and valued.

"It's time to break the chains that bind you. It's time to take those steps toward healing and recovery from the effects of abuse to allow you to become the wonderful person you were meant to be."

"Believe in your own worthiness. You are deserving of love, respect, and a life free from abuse."

Our message to those who are struggling in an unhealthy relationship in which they feel they have no way out is to reach out.

Help is there for you.

"Authentic love lifts you higher. Choose to love yourself and reach out."

Learn more about our forums and how you can be part of the solution to end domestic violence and to support survivors!

We partner with local agencies to provide trauma-informed education and awareness.

• Short-term loss of memory - Many people with dementia may experience problems with all types of memory loss. However, the most common symptom is short-term memory loss. Someone with this type of impairment may have difficulty recalling something that took place hours or even minutes ago. This is one of the most prominent early warning signs of dementia.

• Trouble communicating - Another early warning sign is the way dementia can affect how a person speaks. Many people with dementia have difficulty finding the right words, which may cause them to become quieter than usual. They may even cease to communicate with friends and family.

• Confusion - Another early warning symptom that may indicate dementia is confusion. This can range from a bit of cloudiness to a constant state of mental disarray. A person with dementia may have difficulty recognizing someone who was once familiar to them. Confusion may also cause a person to use poor judgment and get easily lost.

• Moodiness - A person with dementia may experience mood swings or shifts. They may become easily irritable, and they may even become combative when stressed or confronted. While they may not be aware of their mood swings, understandably, the difficulties they face often lead them to a state of depression and anxiety.

• As brain functions become muddled, the person with dementia may become unable to understand the difference between sarcasm and seriousness, common expressions and figures of speech.

• Repetition - a person with dementia may begin to develop problems with repetition that can range in severity. Because of their failing memory, they may do a task repeatedly. This early warning sign can often be confusing, causing friends and family members to associate it with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The simple fact is that they quickly forget what they have done.

• Inability to perform simple tasks - Completing normal daily activities and chores can become complicated for a person with dementia as the disease completely alters the way the mind processes vital information. They may forget how to tie their shoes. They may try to learn a more complicated way to complete a basic task that they have known all their life. This inability to perform simple tasks makes working outside of the home difficult. At this stage, a person with dementia generally requires live-in assistance.

• Loss of interest - People with dementia typically experience a loss of interest in life. This is why it is so important they receive counseling or work with a mental health care provider to help prevent or delay the onset of depression and anxiety. Combined with the other symptoms of dementia, these feelings can be extremely dangerous. Friends and family members should continue to involve their loved one in activities and help them maintain their regular schedule where possible.

• Falling - Another early warning sign of dementia is increased instances of falling. People may find it difficult to tell their feet where to go. They may misjudge their steps and fall down on stairs or sidewalks. They may lose their sense of direction. Many also forget where they live. For this reason, it is important that a person with dementia be closely cared for by friends, family or in-home health care professionals.

• Disorientation to Time and Place - Individuals with dementia may lose track of dates, seasons, or even where they are. They might forget how they arrived somewhere or become confused about the time of day, even in familiar settings. This disorientation can lead to anxiety and wandering, especially in later stages.

What are the most common forms of Dementia?

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a condition affecting over three million individuals annually in the United States, remains a significant medical challenge as a cure continues to elude us. Researchers continue to find the causes and if anything can prevent it from occurring to begin with.

While there is currently no known cure, there are things we can learn to lessen the dramatic impact it can have on the individual suffering, as well as family members who may be tasked with caring for their loved one with dementia. It's important to know what some of the critical signs are of this disease to better understand and provide support for those affected.

The more we learn about dementia and the effects it has upon those persons afflicted with it, the more understanding we have for them. Nobody asks for dementia. It is not a disease that anyone can choose or refuse to have. It can happen to anyone, including even younger people. In learning more about the disease, it is hoped that every person who has a family member or friend who is afflicted with this disease can gain a greater understanding of what that individual is experiencing and react to them with love and empathy.

It is important to remember that nobody chooses dementia. We also offer support and resources to the caregivers of loved ones afflicted with dementia.

The five main types of dementia are:

• Alzheimer's Disease: The most common type, characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline. It is the most prevalent form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. It is caused by a variety of factors, including brain shrinkage, inflammation, blood vessel damage, genetic factors, an accumulation of proteins, particularly Amyloid beta peptides, environmental factors and health and lifestyle factors.

• Vascular Dementia: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often following a stroke or other conditions that damage blood vessels. It is the second most common form of dementia, accounting for about 10-20% of cases.

• Lewy Body Dementia: Associated with abnormal protein deposits in the brain, leading to cognitive fluctuations and visual hallucinations.

• Frontotemporal Dementia: FTD involves progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, affecting personality, behavior, and language skills. It is more common in younger individuals compared to other types of dementia.

• Mixed Dementia: A combination of two or more types of dementia, often Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

LOVE SHOULD NEVER HURT

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be incredibly challenging—emotionally, physically, and mentally. It’s important to remember that they did not choose this disease, nor are they aware of how their actions may affect those around them. Dementia alters perception, memory, and behavior in ways that can be confusing and painful for families.

This is a critical time for caregivers to extend empathy while also prioritizing their own well-being. Support groups, educational resources, and community programs are available to help caregivers navigate the journey with strength, understanding, and care.

Common Signs of Dementia

For more information and an invitation to our annual Alzheimer's Awareness forum, click here.

Compassion for them! Care for you!

“Understanding dementia begins with empathy.”