Walk brings attention to child abuse

April 13--Those who took part Wednesday in the annual walk to raise child abuse awareness didn't have far to go -- their route only took them a city block, from the courthouse to the parking deck of a local bank.

But they carried a message that, hopefully, will travel much further.

"This is one of the things that we do to try to get people's attention during child abuse prevention month," explained Darla West, who sits of the board of Brooks' Place, Cullman's free service outreach for child victims of sexual abuse.

"Brooks' Place, and Cullman Caring for Kids, and really any member of our community who is concerned about the toll that child abuse has on Alabama's children -- we all participate in the march. Normally, we also hold a ceremony out in front of the courthouse to remember the children in Alabama who die each year due to child abuse and neglect, but with the construction work going on at the courthouse this year, we aren't really able to do that today.

"The spirit of the march is the same, though, and the goal is to bring child abuse awareness to mind for people here in Cullman County, not just during the month of April, but all year long."

Throughout the month, organizers display blue ribbons throughout the community as reminders of the personal and social devastation wrought by child abuse. The blue ribbon campaign began in the late 1980s, when a Virginia woman whose grandchildren had been abused by a relative began the practice as a way to raise awareness.

Organizations like Brooks' Place, Cullman Caring for Kids and the Cullman County Department of Human Resources see the effects of abuse and neglect year round, and their staff members are committed to breaking the cycle.

They also provide free services to victims of abuse and their families, including nutrition, educating parents on proper parenting, advising community members on how to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect, offering shelter to children who have been abused, and providing counseling for families affected by abuse.

For more information on Child Abuse Prevention Month, contact Cullman Caring for Kids at 256-739-1111 and visit their website at cullmancaringforkids.com. You can also contact Brooks' Place at 256-739-2243 and visit their website at caccullman.org.

Benjamin Bullard can be reached by phone at 256-734-2131 ext. 145.

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