This is our 3rd entry about child abuse in a span of 2 weeks. When you read the following entry from our Creative-Reporter contributor, Michelle Perry, you'd surely understand why.

Did you know that April is Child Abuse Awareness Month? I didn't. I didn't have any idea until I logged on this morning and saw a small entry on my daily news. Isn't this something that should be bigger, louder?

Over 3 million children are neglected or abused every year. How many of these children do you know? We have to remember that abuse comes in many forms, not just physical. Just because a child has no bruises, doesn't mean everything is all right at home. Emotional abuse, though harder to see and identify, is running rampant. These children who are neglected or abused emotionally are the children who turn into teenagers and adults who are unhappy, and quite often dangerous.

What can we do about this problem?

Having a sister who was falsely accused of child abuse in the past, it is a topic that brings me much consternation. My sister was cleared after one visit from a social worker who could clearly see there was no abuse in the home, but not before being threatened with losing all of her children. She was accused by a Family Member, one with a mental illness. This family member never approached my sister or her husband, never talked to the kids about it or asked them any questions. So I am not one to rush off and call social services without first confirming my suspicions.

That being said, what is the right step to take? I would propose that it would be better to lose a friendship or acquaintance by prying a little bit, than it would be to leave a child in harm's way or, just as damaging, to falsely accuse. If you can't bring yourself to ask the parent or child direct questions, I would suggest going to their religious leader before calling in the troops. In any case, time is of the essence. Our children need protected. During April, Child Abuse Awareness month, let's all take a minute to thank God for our children, and love them a little extra every day.

Michelle Perry is the mother of 4 beautiful children and wife (of 9 years) to one lucky man.