Since 1983, April has been designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. During the month, child abuse and neglect awareness activities are promoted all across the country. One such program, the Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse, was launched in 1989 as a Virginian grandmother's tribute to her grandson who died as a result of child abuse. People are encouraged to wear blue ribbons during April as well as wearing blue on Fridays as a reminder that child abuse is a very real and serious problem must be prevented.
Here at the Grayson County Children's Advocacy Center, that is the message we strive to communicate every day, and we encourage the community to join us. "April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children," says Executive Director Martha Nuckols. "Everyone's participation is critical. Focusing on ways to promote the five protective factors, in every interaction with families, is the best thing our community can do to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect." We can all play a part in strengthening families to end the cycle of abuse. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse.
As a part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, various local restaurants have teamed up with the Grayson County Children's Advocacy Center for the cause, so on select days, a portion of the restaurants' proceeds will be donated to the CAC. Come support the Children's Advocacy Center by joining us for a meal at any of the participating restaurants this month. Visit our website at www.cacgc.org or find us on Facebook (Grayson Advocacy-Center) to view the calendar of what days you can dine and donate, and remember to mention the "Grayson County Children's Advocacy Center".
