All too often, residents of Liberty and Chambers counties prefer to believe that child abuse is something that happens in other places and to other children.

Tragically, this is simply not the case and pretending otherwise is a disservice to every child in our area.

Throughout the month of April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, efforts will be made to increase awareness of this problem that plagues all communities.

Last year alone, more than 140 new child abuse cases were reported to Bridgehaven Children's Advocacy Center.

The serious nature of this problem is of major concern because children in our community are being victimized and robbed of their childhood.

"We have an obligation as a community to recognize and deal with this perpetuating cycle of abuse,” says Paula Barron, Executive Director for Bridgehaven.

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Bridgehaven will conduct the following activities to intensify public awareness of this growing concern.

All through the month of April we have speaking engagements at different schools and clubs to promote child abuse awareness and prevention. Bridgehaven will be the guest speaker on April 6 for the Dayton Chamber luncheon.

That same evening there will be a "Business After Hours” program from 5-7pm to invite other Chamber Businesses to network and tour the center.

On April 9 at 11:30 a.m., we will be having a balloon release at Liberty City Hall.

This release will pay tribute to the children that were seen at Bridgehaven over the past year.

April 13, the Chili's in Baytown and Liberty will be hosting a charity night with the proceeds going to Bridgehaven.

There will also be candlelight vigils held in Liberty and Chambers counties to remember the past year of victims of crime, including child abuse and the victims it claimed.

We are calling on all businesses (and home owners) to show awareness of child abuse prevention month.

We are asking you to paint a blue ribbon on your storefronts, or tie blue ribbons in your yards; something to symbolize there is a problem, and we are going to face that problem head on.

Bridgehaven, which opened its doors in 2004, was established to address the unique needs of child abuse victims.

The center was designed to be child-friendly and to help children feel safe and protected during the most difficult time in their young lives.

The center works with CPS, law enforcement, and prosecution in an environment designed for cooperation and collaboration in order to minimize the number of times children must tell their story.

"Our goal is to break the cycle of abuse, one child at a time,” says Barron.Over 60 centers have been established throughout Texas with this very purpose in mind.

Each center is a member of Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas, a non-profit, state association that promotes and supports the development of local centers just like Bridgehaven.

Our mission is to give hope and care to the children of Liberty and Chambers counties who are victims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

We will foster a working relationship with the governmental agencies of the two counties assigned to protect and defend victims.

For more information on child abuse prevention; events and activities scheduled during April; or information about Bridgehaven, contact us at 936-258-0400 or visit our website at www.bridgehavencac.org.

http://www.thevindicator.com/articles/2010/03/17/news/news58.txt