Advocacy Network for Children to Hold a Flag Raising Ceremony April 2

Advocacy Network for Children is teaming with the Adams County State’s Attorney Victim/Witness Program to honor April as Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month and National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. 

A flag raising ceremony is planned honoring child and adult victims who have been abused, neglected, or have lost their life to abuse or neglect over the years. The event will take place on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at noon on the 5^th Street side of the Adams County Courthouse, 521 Vermont Street.

A local law enforcement Honor Guard will be present for the raising of the flag and local agencies and organizations in the county, as well as the general public, are invited to attend.

Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds and more than five children die every day as a result of child abuse.

About 30% of abused or neglected children will later abuse their own children. More than 90% of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator in some way.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week has been observed each April since 1981 by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. The Adams County State’s Attorney Victim/Witness Program provides assistance, advocacy, information and support to an average 100 victims/witnesses per week.