Local advocates for abused children say dedicating one month out of the year to abuse prevention and education may help Utah County residents protect their most precious resource - children.
This week, members of the Utah County Commission signed a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and local child advocate groups have scheduled events throughout the month to educate residents on the problem, as well as educate them about the negative consequences of abuse, including drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, criminal behavior and promiscuity.The proclamation and other actions - including the creation and opening of the local Children's Justice Center in 1993 - prove that advocates and county officials "are dedicated to protecting the rights of all children to live in safety and to mature with dignity and respect for themselves and others," said Laura Blanchard, head of the Utah County Children's Justice Center and the Utah County Child Abuse Council.
Approximately 2,000 cases of child abuse were reported through the state Division of Family Services and local law-enforcement agencies in Utah County last year. Also, more than 3 million children were identified as abused and neglected in the United States last year, more than 17,000 of those in the state of Utah, she said.
"Much more needs to be done to protect our children, families and community through our individual and united efforts," Blanchard said. "The success of child-abuse prevention depends on the efforts of concerned residents, community cooperation and coordination, as well as the commitment of appropriate and necessary local re-sources."
Commissioners told Blanchard they were encouraged by her and others' efforts.
"The Utah County Child Abuse Council has combined public and private organizations and interested residents to work together for the prevention of child abuse and the protection of children," Commissioner David Gardner said. "The efforts of these many agencies and different individuals, working together, have resulted in an increased public concern for children and increased child-abuse prevention and protective ser-vices."
Included in events, all of which are being held to heighten awareness of the problems, are an advocate luncheon, a conference at the State Capitol, a fund-raising dinner and the annual "No-Hitter" Day, sponsored by the local child abuse council, the BYU Police Department and the BYU Baseball Team.
The latter - which is being done to discourage parents from striking or even spanking their children - will feature children breaking a symbolic "chain of abuse" and provide free fingerprinting for children.
"Let's all be safe at home," Blanchard said. "And remember, words can hit as hard as a fist."
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Additional Information
Events to raise abuse awareness
- "No-Hitter" Day: Saturday, April 8, 11:30 a.m., at the BYU Baseball Stadium. Free to children under 12, as well as adults accompanying them.
- Child advocate luncheon: Monday, April 17, noon, at Clark Auditorium, Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. There is a cost for lunch.
- Victims rights conference: Awards dinner and candlelight vigil, Wednesday, April 26, 5 p.m., at the State Capitol Building, Salt Lake City. There is a cost for dinner. Additional workshops, addresses and lunch, Thursday, April 27, noon. There is a cost for lunch.
- Fund-raiser/dinner: Friday, April 28, 6:30 p.m., at Little America Hotel, 500 S. Main, Salt Lake City; $125 per person. For reservations, call 532-3404.
- Utah Kids Count conference: Friday, April 28, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Salt Palace Convention Center, 150 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City.