Child abuse is a problem both locally and nationwide. The good news is it can often be prevented.

A good crowd of local leaders, DHR representatives and others gathered for a recent ceremony proclaiming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Cherokee County. The ceremony was held at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Cherokee County office located at 203 North River St. in Centre.

Cherokee County Probate Judge Kirk Day, Cedar Bluff Mayor Bob Davis, Centre Mayor Phil Powell, Gaylesville Representative Cindy Miller (Standing in for Mayor Elizabeth Stafford) and Sand Rock Mayor Bill Glenn each signed a proclamation on behalf of the areas in which they represent. Also present was Lamar Denkins, a representative from Congressman Mike Rogers’ office.

Lori Lumsden, executive director, Children’s Advocacy Center of Cherokee County, introduced Chad Hooper, president, CACCC Board of Directors.

According to statistics, Hopper said, one in every three girls and one in every seven boys will be a sexual assault victim by the age of 18.

“I want you to think of that,” said Hopper. “One of every three girls by the age of 18 and one of every seven boys. That is a very sobering thought and it happens right here in Cherokee County. There is no disease, natural disaster or other tragedy that claims more lives and children under the age of four than child abuse and neglect.”

Cherokee County, Hopper said, is ranked number 67 out of 67 with one being the best and 67 being the worst in child abuse.

“There’s a couple of ways we can look at that,” said Hopper. “Number one, we are having the most abuse per capita of any county in the state or two, we are doing a better job of reporting it. Either way, we’ve got a problem. The advocacy center is here. Our advocacy center staff do an outstanding job in interviewing the children. Before the advocacy center, the children had to give their testimony to law enforcement officers, DHR, several people. Now they give it here. They give it in a home environment that allows them to be more comfortable and they give it one time. Law enforcement representatives, district attorney’s office representatives and others involved in the case can come here and watch the videotape of the interview.”

Hopper said he is honored to be a member of the CACCC Board of Directors and urged the community to support the advocacy center.

“What can you do as a community?” said Hopper. “There are several things that you can do. This kicks off Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout the month of April, so we encourage you to wear the shirts. If you haven’t gotten a shirt, please purchase a shirt. The back of the shirt says, ‘There’s no excuse for child abuse.’ We are encouraging all businesses to wear those shirts throughout the month of April on Fridays. If your businesses can’t do it every Friday in April, we encourage you to do it at least the last Friday of the month.”

Citizens can also display their blue ribbons throughout the month of April to commemorate Child Abuse Prevention Month, Hopper said. And monetary contributions are always appreciated and needed.

“We have to match our state and federal grants, almost $25,000 a year,” said Hopper. “This is a small county and there’s a lot of things that compete for your dollars. We just ask you to remember the advocacy center when you give because we are always in need of money.”

Probate Judge Day then presented Lumsden with a check for $5,000 to the advocacy center.

“In September, the county obtained restitution funds from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Birmingham,” said Day. “And I think the entire county commission wanted to make sure that worthwhile programs in the county that would not otherwise receive funding get a portion of those funds. On behalf of the Cherokee County Commission, I give you this check for $5,000 to the Children’s Advocacy Center. We appreciate all of the work you do for the children of Cherokee County.”

“I would like to thank all of you,” said Lumsden. “It takes everybody to make our center work. We’ve had some parents, we’ve had a lot of volunteers and community leaders to do simple things like paint. There are lots of things people can do to make our center more home like and more child friendly. Maybe sometimes you can’t give financially and if you can’t and are looking for a place you would like to help out, we would love to have you help here.”

For more information, call the Children’s Advocacy Center of Cherokee County at (256)927-2111