By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

up to 1-in-3 canadians

CACAC hopes public will help mark Child Abuse Awareness Month

Oct 1, 2022 | 10:32 AM

October is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) wants to help spread awareness.

The CACAC says as many as 1-in-3 Canadians have experienced some form of child abuse.

Since opening its doors in 2017, the CACAC has supported more than 2,000 children and youths from around central Alberta, servicing 91 communities.

In 2022, 400 children and families have been triaged, and there is a rise in online exploitation, the centre notes.

“Each year the community gets more and more involved in what we do here at the CACAC, and we couldn’t be happier to see it. But in many ways, we’re only just getting started. The need for wrap-around services, for forensic interviews, for court prep, and for getting these kids the help they need is growing daily,” says Mark Jones, CEO.

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“We’re seeing it in our schools, we’re seeing it in the rural communities, and we’re seeing it on all economic levels. That’s why in October we encourage schools and businesses to get involved by going blue to spread awareness for our cause. The more that people understand the issue, the more we can flip from reactive responses to preventative ones – and it all starts with awareness.”

For the month, the CACAC is running what’s called the #GoBlueAB campaign on social media. They ask that for the campaign’s fourth year, you tag the @CentralABCAC on most social media platforms and use the hashtag to start a conversation about child abuse.

From Oct. 24-28, the CACAC invites everyone to wear blue for the same purpose.

Community events happening for the #GoBlueAB campaign:

October 7^th: Olds Grizzlys home game at Olds Sportsplex @7PM

Olds Grizzlys vs Calgary Canucks

October 15^th: Red Deer Vipers home game – Child Abuse Awareness Night

Servus Arena in Red Deer @8PM

Red Deer Vipers vs Ponoka Stampeders

October 19^th: Red Deer Rebels home game at Peavey Mart Centrium @7PM

Red Deer Rebels vs Calgary Hitmen

October 22^nd: Red Deer Rebels home game at Peavey Mart Centrium @7PM

Red Deer Rebels vs Prince Albert Raiders

October 28^th: Blackfalds Bulldogs Community Night

Blackfalds Bulldogs home game at Eagle Builders Centre @7PM

Blackfalds Bulldogs vs Fort McMurray Oil Barons

“This Child Abuse Prevention Month, and throughout the year, we affirm every child’s right to be safe and supported,” says Matt Jones, Minister of Children’s Services. “It is up to all of us to know the signs of abuse and neglect, and how to report concerns for a child’s well-being. Speaking up to protect children is a courageous act that can have life-changing affects on young people, showing them they are not alone.

More information is at albertacacs.ca.

You can report child abuse concerns to the 24-hour confidential Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-387-KIDS (5437).