Maxwell events aim to end child abuse
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Maxwell Air Force Base Family Advocacy Program is hosting a number of events aimed at increasing child abuse awareness.
"National Child Abuse Prevention Month is important because it helps to educate parents and community members in how to recognize the different types of abuse and whom to make a report to," said April Jones, FAP Mental Health Resiliency Function outreach manager. "Additionally, the month helps to recognize those who are survivors of child abuse, while advocating for communities to prevent and report any kind of abuse to children or anyone for that matter."
According to FAP officer Beverly Lesyea, there are four different types of child abuse: physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and sexual abuse.
"We want to eradicate all forms of abuse from communities," said Lesyea. "Neither one is greater than the other. Abuse, period, must be stopped."
According to data from kidscount.org, there were 9,824 reported cases of various child abuses in Alabama in 2012.
Jones hopes that the activities planned by the FAP will help to decrease those numbers.
"The abuse statistics for the state are alarming," Jones said. "We hope to put a dent in those numbers through our diligent fight against child abuse."
Child Abuse Prevention Month events
· 123 Magic Parenting Class: 3-5 p.m. April 8, 15 and 22, at the Maxwell community library.
· Story Time: 10:30-11 a.m. Tuesday, at the Maxwell community library and 11 a.m. - noon Thursday, at the Gunter community library.
· Child Protect Donation Drive: April 14-25. Locations: Airman Family and Readiness Center, Maxwell fitness center, Chapel 1, Barnes Center, 42nd Medical Group atrium, 42nd Air Base Wing headquarters atrium. Donation items requested by the Family Advocacy Program include bottled water, assorted chips, animal cookies, Pop Tarts, canned sodas and Ramen Noodles.
· Child Abuse Prevention Walk: 3:30-4:30 p.m. April 17, at the Hunt Housing Walking Trail. Giveaways will be available while supplies last.