It’s a sad, but truthful, fact that one in ten children will be a victim of sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. Equally as sad is the fact that 60-percent of child sexual abuse victims never tell anyone. The Children’s Advovacy Center of Southwestern Michigan asks, “What if there were ways to reduce and prevent one of the greatest health epidemics facing our children today?” They want you to know that acknowledging these facts and being willing to have conversations about child abuse is one of the first steps towards a safer community.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and this year, the local center’s efforts for education and awareness will be a combination of community events and social media campaigns.
Beginning tomorrow, Thursday, April 1st, they are asking everyone to participate by wearing blue to show your support for CAP Month, and to then post your photos to social media using #WearMIBlue and tagging the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan on Facebook or Instagram.
The #WearMIblue social media campaign is a chance to highlight the way that the center is joining with organizations, and individuals, across Michigan to bring awareness to prevention. They are also hosting a month long “Hike-4-Healing” fundraiser to increase community awareness, while enjoying nature at local parks like Love Creek Nature Center and Sarett Nature Center. For more information, or to register for the hiking event, you can visit online at: http://www.swmichigancac.org/fundraiser/hike-4-healing/
There are lots of ways you can get involved in Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, as the Children’s Advocacy Center encourages you to join them in their mission to end child abuse in the community through prevention:
- Wear blue on April 1st and tell people you are participating in a national day to highlight child abuse prevention.
- Take a picture of yourself, your family (pets included), or your coworkers all dressed in blue on April 1st and share it on social media using the #WearMIBlue hashtag (be sure to tag the Children’s Advocacy Center of SWMI in your posts). Join in on Facebook Live at noon on April 1st as the center “plants” a pinwheel garden outside of the agency.
- Register yourself, your family, or your team for the “Hike-4-Healing” fundraiser.
- Follow the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan on Facebook and Instagram for resources, free online live trainings, and videos with community partners all month long.
- Register for a FREE Virtual CAC Tour/CAC 101: 4/16/21 @ 12:15pm-1pm (email akiblercampbell@swmichigancac.org to register)
- Register for a FREE Virtual Recognizing and Reporting training: 4/23/21 @ 12:15pm-1pm (email akiblercampbell@swmichigancac.org to register)
- Inspire and encourage others to get involved during Child Abuse Prevention Month.
