April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month

It’s a topic that’s extremely important and one that those who work at the Patticake House nonprofit shelter dedicate their lives to.

“It is just so important that it gets stopped as soon as possible so a child can begin healing,” said Nancy Brian, Executive Director.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Ruth’s Cottage and Patticake House are working to raise awareness about the importance of ensuring great childhoods for children in the Southwest Georgia area.

“We have a special interest in April and trying to find ways to educate the community about child abuse and how they can help prevent it,” said Brian.

The Patticake House is hosting events that demonstrate their commitment to preventing child abuse and promoting a brighter future for children in need.

Several training sessions will also be offered to teachers, coaches and other people that may come in contact with children.

“The majority of children we see are those that have been sexually abused, some that are witness to family violence, such as domestic violence or even homicide,” said Brian.

Thousands of Georgia children suffer abuse and neglect each year. According to a report by the Georgia State Department of Human Services, 2016 saw more than 500 child abuse victims in the area that the Patticake House serves.

“They need to understand that this happened to them at no fault of their own but unfortunately at the hands of someone else,” said Brian.