April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Each year for many years now we, at The Sunshine House Children’s Advocacy Center, try to focus on Child Abuse Prevention in the month of April. Special awareness events are planned in the schools and communities.

Actually, we need to focus on child abuse prevention every month, but the month of April is set aside nationally and internationally. Years ago, a grandmother named Bonnie Finney, suspected abuse and violence in the home of her daughter. While she spoke to them about her concern, the next time she saw her grandson was in the morgue. While still grieving the loss of her beautiful grandson she took a blue ribbon to symbolize the bruises she had seen on her grandson and tied that blue ribbon to the antenna of her car. That simple yet powerful gesture inspired others leading to the adoption of the blue ribbon as a national symbol for child abuse prevention and awareness. Today the blue ribbon is recognized nationally and internationally.

Recently, a case in our circuit has shocked us to our core. As tragic as this is to all of us, it is not the only case of children suffering. All children are not safe. The best advice I can give to concerned citizens is that “if you see something, say something”. Professionals can take the concerns and allegations in the child abuse investigation from that point, but remember our responsibility is to protect children.

Our partners in law enforcement, child protection, Juvenile Justice, and prosecutors participate in the multidisciplinary review of cases each month. They ensure best practices are followed and hold members accountable for their role in the investigation, victim advocacy and services and possible prosecution. It is only when everyone does their job that the district attorney can make his decision. Thank a member of our partners in law enforcement, child protection, Sunshine House staff, Juvenile Justice and the prosecutors from the Office of District Attorney when you see them. We believe our multidisciplinary team makes a difference and together we can promote safety, healing and justice for every child.

Please as a community, let us not forget to speak up for children. Remember the words of Marian Wright Edelman, “Everyone agrees on one crucial thing: that no one in America should harm children and that everyone can do more to ensure that they grow up safe, healthy and educated, in nurturing families and in caring communities.”

Let us be that kind of community. Thank you.