April is Child Abuse Awareness Month nationwide. Owensboro makes its voice heard in speaking out for child abuse awareness with its annual STAND Against Child Abuse event. Through a partnership with GRADD’S Community Collaboration for Children Regional Network (CCC) and the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), the STAND is expected to reach more than 1,000 families at this year’s event, held on Thursday evening, April 12 from 4:30-7 p.m. on the south lawn of Kentucky Wesleyan College.
The STAND is an effective, powerful way that local organizations, businesses, churches, and other community partners unite to provide awareness and education about child abuse to the public as well as provide resources to families who need emotional or physical assistance. Organizations like the Daviess County Public Library, Sunrise Children’s Services, Owensboro Police Department, and Building Stronger Families set up booths, conducted family activities, and provided valuable information and useful resources to both assist and strengthen families. The Prevent Child Abuse America organization states that “preventing child abuse and neglect starts with giving parents the support they need, so they can be the best moms and dads they can be. When parents get support, families are more self-sufficient and kids do better in school.”
