Since 1983, April has been recognized in the United States as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an observance dedicated to raising awareness of and preventing child abuse.
In anticipation of this year’s observance, Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker issued a proclamation in honor of Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center – a Hattiesburg non-profit organization devoted to providing forensic interview services and advocacy to victims of child abuse- to help highlight the month and its mission. Barker issued the proclamation during an April 3 news conference at Hattiesburg City Hall on Forrest Street in downtown Hattiesburg.
“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment free from violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect,” the proclamation states. “The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi – with 11 child advocacy centers in the state of Mississippi – provide hope, healing and justice for children experiencing felonious and child maltreatment.
“In 2023, 8,271 Mississippi children received services through a local child advocacy center. Child maltreatment is a serious public health issue with lingering effects, long after a traumatic incident.”
In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center are hosting several other events throughout April, including those on:
- April 3: A Proclamation Day event with Gov. Tate Reeves, representing collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services;
- April 8: A press conference with Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch; and
- April 10: Lighting of the governor’s mansion in Jackson.
“Reduction (of child abuse) strategies include strengthening and supporting Mississippi families, providing social, legal and financial resources for both child victims and their families, and pursuing aggressive criminal justice activity,” Barker said. “(Members of Hattiesburg City Council and I) encourage the citizens of Hattiesburg to unite together.
“Our commitment to protecting our children and working towards a community where every child can thrive in safety and security (is key to this endeavor).”
Each year, officials from Kids Hub Advocacy Center also plant pinwheel gardens in select locations to honor each child that was served by the center. Officials have enlisted help from volunteers from places like local churches, along with students from the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University, in that endeavor.
“Child abuse is just not okay in our community, and we’re not going to stand for it,” said Didi Ellis, executive director of the organization. “We’re going to stand up and provide some awareness so that we can support these children and families.”
Kids Hub is located at 15 Millbranch Road in Hattiesburg. As an accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance, the organization works to streamline the process of finding effective solutions for child abuse victims and their non-offending caregivers.
For more information, call (601) 909-6294.
