‘Every child deserves to live free from harm’

Dickson House Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) joins children’s advocacy centers across the state in drawing attention to the importance of providing children with safe, healthy environments this National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The CAC is a child-focused center created to provide a private, safe, non-threatening environment to conduct interviews of child victims or witnesses.

The CAC brings together a multidisciplinary team consisting of professionals from the District Attorney’s Office, Pike County Children and Youth Services, law enforcement, medical and mental health representatives and victim services to coordinate the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse cases.

“At Dickson House, we are committed to doing the best for all children that walk through our doors,” said Sara Loeb, director of Victim Services at the Dickson House Children’s Advocacy Center. “Every child deserves to live free from harm and to grow up in a world that supports their well-being. It’s an honor to work for the kids that come into our center.”

Loeb noted, however, the unfortunate reality is that child abuse is not always visible, often occurring “behind closed doors.”

Child abuse can take many forms including physical, emotional, sexual and neglect, all which can leave lasting scars on victims’ mental health, emotional and physical well-being.

The effects can ripple throughout the child’s life.

Child abuse is a troubling and devastating issue that affects millions of children around the world, not just here in Pike County.

167 pinwheels, one for each child

The pinwheel is a National Child Abuse Prevention Month symbol used as a reminder that we are all individually responsible for protecting children in our lives, and communities. Pinwheels symbolize the joy and playfulness of what childhood should be.

One hundred sixty seven pinwheels adorn the lawn of the CAC. Each pinwheel represents a child that has been served by the CAC in the past year. Of those 167 children interviewed by CAC staff in the past year, 38 percent were referred to the CAC for sexual abuse and 62 percent for physical abuse, neglect or witnessing crimes.

Read with Violet

Violet, the CAC comfort dog, will be at the Pike County Public Library this month for two Read with Violet sessions. Join Violet and CAC staff at the Milford Branch of the Pike County Public Library on Monday, April 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the Dingman Township Branch on Tuesday, April 22, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Blue Fridays

Blue is the official awareness color of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The CAC encourages residents and businesses to join them and turn the county blue.

By shining a blue light, we hope to shed light on the many ways to support children and families.

Pike County Government Buildings including the CAC, the Administration Building, and the Courthouse will be illuminated blue.

An additional way to participate is to wear blue on Fridays in April to show your support of positive childhood experiences and the prevention of adversity.