By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

understanding responsibility

Advocacy centre marking Child Abuse Prevention Month

Oct 1, 2020 | 2:17 PM

Communities and their citizens play vital roles in preventing child abuse.

This is the message of Child Abuse Prevention Month, which runs through the month of October.

The Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre is one of 27 such centres in Canada, eight of which are in Alberta, promoting the cause.

“Child Abuse is a difficult subject that people don’t like to talk about, but the more we talk about it, the more conversations we have, the sooner as a society and as a community we will be able to make changes and put an end to this issue,” says Mark Jones, CEO. “We all have a role to play in keeping our children safe; it takes one pebble to make a ripple. This month it is about rallying together and being a voice for our kiddos, it is about standing in solidarity, creating conversations, and helping to prevent child abuse once and for all.”

In a release, it’s noted that child abuse is not limited to one community or demographic, and that everyone has a responsibility to understand signs of abuse and speak up when they see it.

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It also states that it there is a legal duty to report suspected child abuse.

In recognition of the month, all child advocacy centres are asking citizens to #GoBlueAB on Oct. 24 by wearing blue in solidarity with all those impacted by child abuse, and to spark conversation and awareness.

Starting Oct. 1, central Albertans can purchase a blue heart at The B Nest Studios at Bower Place Shopping Centre. They are available by donation, and the hearts — with name and message — will be displayed at the mall on Oct. 24.

For every heart purchased, a floor decal heart will also be set out on every third tile, which represents the one-in-three Canadians impacted by child abuse.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, there are several phone numbers available.