This month’s Stand Against Child Abuse event will pull together dozens of community partners who have an interest in the wellbeing of children and families. Organizers said learning the signs of child abuse and neglect — along with reporting it — are key in the battle against the issue.
The STAND is set for 4:30-7 p.m. April 22 on the front lawn of Kentucky Wesleyan College.
This year’s event will return to the in-person format featuring activities such as inflatables and a petting zoo, free hot dogs, and a wide range of resource booths to inform families of services in the community.
A moment of remembrance will be observed for the statewide fatalities and near fatalities resulting from child abuse or neglect.
“The STAND Against Child Abuse is not only a time to get together to stand for children, but also a time for our community to remember those children who have lost their lives to child abuse,” said Jodi McCarty, Sunrise Children’s Services Independent Living Specialist. “This year, we will be remembering the 59 lives lost and honoring 150 lives that were nearly lost due to child abuse in Kentucky. I would like to encourage our community to be vigilant in learning signs of abuse and how to prevent and report it.”
This annual event is sponsored by GRADD’s Community Collaboration for Children (CCC) Regional Network and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services’ Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). The event is held during the month of April in conjunction with Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“We are excited to host the STAND in-person again. We want to thank the community for their commitment to the prevention of child abuse, not only during Child Abuse Prevention Month, but every month,” says GRADD CCC Coordinator Kristy James. “We are especially grateful to our partner agencies who host booths at the STAND to provide invaluable information and resources to families.”
To anonymously report an incident of suspected abuse/neglect, please call the Kentucky Child Protection Hotline at 1-877-597-2331 or your local law enforcement agency.
