North Carolina Leaders Unite to Highlight Child Abuse Prevention Month

North Carolina Leaders Unite to Combat Child Abuse and Neglect

In a concerted effort to address the pressing issue of child abuse and neglect, top officials in North Carolina, including Governor Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson, gathered at the SAFEChild Advocacy Center. Their aim was to spotlight the significance of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and specifically April 28 as Children’s Advocacy Center Day.

Governor Josh Stein emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting, “Every year there are more than 100,000 reports of child abuse and neglect in North Carolina.” He expressed pride in recognizing the efforts to seek justice and promote healing for the state’s children, underlining the commitment to safeguarding them from harm.

Echoing the governor’s sentiments, Attorney General Jeff Jackson stated, “We all want our children to grow up safe, healthy, and with every opportunity to succeed.” He reiterated the importance of holding abusers accountable and supporting survivors in building robust futures, acknowledging Governor Stein’s leadership in these endeavors.

Highlighting the critical role of preventive measures, North Carolina Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie Buffaloe stressed, “North Carolina’s children deserve the opportunity to grow up in a safe and secure environment.” He advocated for creating avenues for children to report abuse and emphasized the importance of preventing potential abuse scenarios, such as those involving firearms.

NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai expressed his gratitude toward organizations like SAFEChild North Carolina, which provide vital care and resources to affected families. He emphasized the collective responsibility to protect children and ensure they thrive in safe environments.

The need for dedicated support for abused children was underscored by SAFEchild Executive Director Cristin DeRonja, who stated, “Every child in North Carolina deserves to grow up in a nurturing environment, free from abuse and neglect.” She highlighted the long recovery process for abused children and the crucial role of advocacy centers in offering hope and essential treatment.

Governor Stein, a proponent of legislative action, signed proclamations at the SAFEChild Advocacy Center, reinforcing the state’s commitment to these causes. His work alongside the General Assembly led to the enactment of the SAFE Child Act, mandating the reporting of abuse to local authorities. His budget proposal for 2025-2027 aims to boost investment in the Positive Parenting Program to further prevent child maltreatment.

For those who suspect a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, numerous resources are available to report concerns and recognize the signs of abuse.