By Kay Phelan
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recognized National Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout April, highlighting the importance of families, communities and organizations working together to prevent abuse and neglect.
As part of a national network of 959 Children’s Advocacy Centers, ECCAC served 1,480 children through intervention programs and educated 17,367 students in Walton and Okaloosa counties last year—at no cost to families.
“Our ECCAC team undertook a number of initiatives throughout April to bring attention to National Child Abuse Awareness Month,” commented ECCAC CEO, Julie Porterfield. “With the color blue representing the initiative, we lined our sidewalks with blue pinwheels and balloons. We also participated in Lauren’s Kids Walk with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in Niceville for a 10-mile trek as a part of their 1,500-mile journey across Florida. The walk was for Lauren’s Kids and the 42 million survivors of child abuse in America and for the children we see every day at our Centers. We’re already creating our strategic plan for next year.” ECCAC also hosted proclamation ceremonies with Okaloosa and Walton County Sheriff’s Offices.
Now celebrating over 25 years of service, ECCAC remains committed to its mission to prevent abuse, protect children, and restore young lives. With 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys experiencing sexual abuse before high school graduation, ECCAC stresses that 95% of child sexual abuse is preventable through education and awareness.
Learn more at ECCAC.org. To report suspected abuse, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
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