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EDITORIAL: Help fight child abuse

Muskogee Phoenix - 4/7/2018

April 07--A Bradford pear tree in front of the Muskogee Department of Human Services stands as a stark reminder of how many children are affected by abuse in Muskogee County.

The tree has 319 blue ribbons attached. That number symbolizes how many children DHS has served in the past year.

Two white ribbons symbolize how many children have lost their lives to child abuse in the last 12 months in Muskogee County.

April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. It's tragic to see that many ribbons.

"It serves as a constant reminder that all of us have the responsibility to help children," said Christen Westdyke, a child welfare specialist. "Muskogee has always celebrated child abuse awareness. Other organizations help us out, including the health department and Kids' Space."

Children are among the most vulnerable of our society. They don't have the same ability to defend themselves.

That's why responsible adults must protect them and help them get out of abusive situations.

DHS is taking a stand against people who abuse children, said Mariah Crutcher, a child welfare specialist. "We want all children to be safe. We want to be the voice for the children. The children can't be a voice for themselves."

Speak out for those who can't speak for themselves. Protect those who can't protect themselves.

It's all our responsibilities to raise awareness of child abuse.

The goal must be to eradicate it.

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(c)2018 the Muskogee Phoenix (Muskogee, Okla.)

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