National Child Abuse Prevention Month Critical During Time of High Stress, Social Isolation

0
814
Pinwheels for Prevention on display at the Moore County Courthouse in Dumas. - Photo Credit: R. Brady @McJoNews

Last Updated on April 19, 2020 – 1:46 PM CDT

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making the Panhandle community a better place for children and families.

Pinwheels for Prevention on display at the Moore County Courthouse in Dumas. – Credit: R. Brady @McJoNews

“April is a time to spotlight the important role that communities play in protecting children,” said Shelly Bohannon, Executive Director of The Bridge. “Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on ways to build and promote the protective factors, in every interaction with children and families, is the best thing our community can do to prevent child maltreatment and promote optimal child development. This is especially important during this time of high stress, social isolation and resource deprivation. We are encouraging people to check in with family and friends, as we tread the new waters regarding COVID-19”.

Pinwheels for Prevention

The Bridge plans many awareness activities during the month of April.  A major project is the “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign.  Over one thousand brightly colored pinwheels will line the front of The Bridge’s office in Amarillo.  “It takes a huge amount of courage for child victims to speak up and tell someone about their abuse”, Jackie Mikeska, Outreach Coordinator for The Bridge said.  “The pinwheels represent the number of children who are interviewed at The Bridge each year.  This year there will be 1,030 pinwheels in the display”, said Mikeska.

Follow The Bridge on these social media platforms for updates on plans and activities as well as ways the community can help. 

  • Facebook:  The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center
  • Instagram:  the_bridge_cac
  • Twitter:  @TheBridgeAMA
  • The Bridge’s website: www.bridgecac.org

About the Bridge:

The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center opened its doors in Amarillo in 1989 and was Texas’ first Children’s Advocacy Center.  The Mission of The Bridge is to provide a Child’s Path to Healing and Justice.  The Bridge is a comprehensive, child-focused program that offers a highly effective, one-stop approach to child abuse investigation.  The facility allows law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors and the mental health and medical communities to work together to best serve victims of child abuse and sexual assault.  The center offers a comfortable, private, child-friendly setting where forensic interviews and sexual exams can be conducted.