Carl Perkins Center strives to

“Take Out Child Abuse”

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

In recognition of April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Exchange Club – Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse will strive to take out child abuse in Haywood County.

The month will be noted with a “Candlelight Vigil” to be held at the Carl Perkins Child Advocacy Center John Clinton Building at 130 Boyd Avenue in Brownsville at 5:15 p.m., on Monday, April 7. All Brownsville and Haywood County residents are urged to attend this brief but important ceremony.

April 25 has also been chosen as the day to visually show your support by wearing a special T-shirt, available from the center. The black short-sleeve t-shirts are designed around the theme “Take out Child Abuse” and feature the five protective factors to have a happy family. The shirts are available at the center through April 15 for a cost of $15. They also can be ordered by calling the Center at 772-8378.

The local campaign includes many activities that center around the theme “Take Out Child Abuse.” Blue ribbons will adorn downtown businesses to signify that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Blue lapel ribbons will also be available at the Center for anyone who wants to wear a blue ribbon throughout the month of April.

The color blue is significant because, in 1989, Bonnie Finney of Norfolk, Va., tied a blue ribbon to her car antenna to memorialize the death of her only grandson. He died as a result of child abuse, and she chose the color blue to constantly remind her of the black and blue bruises that covered his battered body. That was the beginning of the National Blue Ribbon Campaign.

According to Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee, about 3 million reports involving the welfare of more than 5.5 million children were made to child protective services in one year in the nation. As a result, about 872,000 children were determined to be victims of child abuse and/or neglect. The same year, approximately 1,500 children died from abuse and/or neglect.

Child abuse leaves its mark on all members of society. Deaths due to child abuse cost the United States as much as $258 million each day or approximately $94 billion annually. Without the help of agencies like the Exchange Club – Carl Perkins Center, the majority of these costs would be felt by taxpayers.

Join in the ‘Take Out Child Abuse’ campaign. You will be making a real difference in the life of a child. To participate in CAP month in Haywood County or for more information, contact the Center at 731-772-8378.