Pictured are: Blakely Hopper (Brooks' Place), Gail Swafford (Brooks' Place), Javon Daniel (Cullman Caring for Kids), Mayor Max A. Townson, Nancy Bryant (Cullman Caring for Kids) and Haley Gaines (Brooks' Place).
CULLMAN – On March 29, 2016, Cullman Mayor Max A. Townson officially proclaimed the month of April 2016 “Child Abuse Awareness Month” in the City of Cullman.
During the month of April, and throughout the year, the City of Cullman encourages all citizens and organizations to do what they can to help prevent child abuse and make Cullman a better place for families. Child abuse is a terrible problem in our society. Every ten seconds, a child is abused. Every day in America, four children die from child abuse or neglect. Over 3 million children are reported abused or neglected each year, with over 1,000 dying from their injuries and many others carrying the burden of their maltreatment into adulthood. Abused children are more likely to suffer from substance abuse, depression, learning disabilities, school failure, emotional and behavioral disorders, criminal activity and an inability to foster healthy relationships.
“Safety is our No. 1 priority in the City of Cullman,” said Townson. “I fully support those who work to increase awareness of this issue, and I strongly encourage people to not be afraid to become involved in order to put an end to child abuse and child neglect in our community.”
On hand to receive the proclamation were Javon Daniel and Nancy Bryant of Cullman Caring for Kids. The vision of Cullman Caring for Kids is that no child will ever be abused, no child will go to bed hungry, no infant will ever be shaken in anger and the cycle of abuse will be stopped. They strive to see the next generation loved, encouraged and physically and emotionally prepared to face life feeling wanted and needed. Cullman Caring for Kids provides a variety of services to help accomplish their mission.
Joining Daniel and Bryant during the proclamation presentation were Gail Swafford, Blakely Hopper and Haley Gaines of the Child Advocacy Center (Brooks' Place). Brooks' Place provides a neutral, home-life setting where child victims of sexual and physical abuse can receive services. Brooks' Place offers assistance to the Alabama DHR, the District Attorney's Office and law enforcement entities by providing expertise in the areas of interviewing, counseling, case tracking and testimony on behalf of children. They also provide support to caregivers.
During the month of April, blue ribbons will be displayed throughout the city. This blue ribbon campaign was started in 1989 when a Virginia grandmother was grieving the death of her grandson and the battery of her granddaughter at the hands of their abusive father. As a reminder of the bruises she had seen on her grandchildren’s bodies, she attached a blue ribbon to the antenna of her van. Since that time, the blue ribbon has come to symbolize child abuse awareness and prevention. Therefore, during the month of April, citizens and businesses are also encouraged to display blue ribbons on their buildings, homes or vehicles.
For more information on National Child Abuse Awareness Month, please contact Cullman Caring for Kids at 256-739-1111 or visit their website at www.cullmancaringforkids.com.
For more information on Brooks’ Place (Child Advocacy Center) contact them at 256-739-2243 or visit their website at www.caccullman.org.
If you know a child who is being abused or neglected, please contact your local law enforcement agency or call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
