The Third Judicial Circuit Family Violence Prevention Council will recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month at a press conference at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, at the Madison County Administration Building in Edwardsville.
The theme for 2014 is: “Supporting and celebrating our Children and Families!” The Third Circuit is hosting one of the kick-off events featured by Prevent Child Abuse Illinois.
Judge Barbara Crowder, a Chair of the Family Violence Prevention Council, will introduce guests and speakers. Judge Clarence Harrison, a member of the board of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, and Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons will be present. The council is also honored to have Elaine Duensing from Prevent Child Abuse Illinois at the event, along with DCFS Southern Region Administrator Derek Hobson. Madison County Board Chairman Alan Dunstan will read a proclamation. The Oasis Women’s Center’s Clothesline Project will feature a clothesline hung with T-shirts decorated by victims of domestic violence, many of whom are children, and their supporters. The shirts vividly represent their own feelings and experiences. The Madison County Child Advocacy Center will display the numbers of children involved in investigations of abuse and who have been interviewed at the center last year, with paper silhouettes poignantly representing each child.
“Every member of the community can play a part to help increase awareness of child abuse and to help prevent abuse and neglect before it ever happens,” Crowder said. “Please show your support by joining us on April 1 at 10 a.m.”
For information, contact Coordinator Tina Culp at 618-465-1978 or tinaculp@oasiswomenscenter.com. Information about Prevent Child Abuse Illinois and Child Abuse Prevention Month can be found at www.preventchildabuseillinois.org.