This annual Stand Against Child Abuse event, which pulls together dozens of community partners that have an interest in the wellbeing of children and families, returns on April 14. Organizers want to educate the community on the signs of child abuse and neglect in addition to how to prevent and report it.
The STAND will run from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on the front lawn of Kentucky Wesleyan College. This year’s event will feature activities for children — such as inflatables and a petting zoo, free hot dogs, and most importantly a wide range of resource booths to inform families of services in the community.
To go along with the event’s theme of “Planting Seeds of Prevention,” a tree planting ceremony will take place.
Also during the event, a moment of remembrance will be observed for the statewide fatalities and near fatalities that were a result of child abuse or neglect. Organizers said while prevention is the focus of the STAND, it is important to acknowledge that child abuse and neglect continue to happen.
“The STAND Against Child Abuse is an opportunity to come together and stand up for children. It is also an important time for our community to remember those children who have lost their lives due to child abuse,” said Jodi McCarty, Sunrise Children’s Services Independent Living Specialist. “This year, we will be remembering the 58 lives lost and honoring 138 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.”
The event is held during the month of April in conjunction with Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“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 Kristy James, GRADD’s Community Collaboration for Children (CCC) Regional Network Coordinator. “We are especially grateful to our sponsors, and 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, call the Kentucky Child Protection Hotline at 1-877-597-2331 or local law enforcement.
