ROCKWALL – Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper said Saturday that initial efforts by community groups to reduce family violence crimes and aid victims across Rockwall County are already gaining support.
She explained that after she stated that Rockwall County needs to start planning and fundraising for a women’s shelter and children’s advocacy center at the Jan. 29 monthly family violence prevention meeting hosted by Americans Ending Abuse, and an article was published about her statement in The Rockwall News, she’s received a number of calls from people interested in helping. Over 40 people attended the meeting, representing most all local agencies which deal with family violence.
“Since mentioning my intent to move forward with creating a Children’s Advocacy Center in Rockwall, I have received a number of calls from people interested in helping,” she said. “I am really encouraged that it is generating such excitement in the community!”
She added that Rockwall County currently uses the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center for child neglect/abuse cases. A project of the Junior League of Collin County, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County opened its doors in 1992 and since then has served more than 50,000 abused and neglected children.
Children’s Advocacy Centers make it possible for an alleged neglected/abused child to only have to tell his or her story one time in a recorded interview with a trained Children’s Advocacy Center professional, rather than having to explain the story numerous times. Under one roof are housed law enforcement, child protective services, therapists, caseworkers, interns, nurses and volunteers. Representatives from the District Attorney’s office typically attend interviews, as well.
The centers are also used to train professionals about child abuse intervention and prevention.
The next monthly family violence prevention meeting hosted by Americans Ending Abuse and it’s charitable arm, the Lillian Smith Family Violence Foundation, will be Feb. 26, 7 pm, at the Gonino Center For Healing in Heath. The focus will be upon preventing/ ending child abuse across Rockwall County and aiding the victims.
The public is welcome to attend. Call J.J. Smith for info, 214-317-1718.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention), the majority of child neglect/abuse is committed by young parents without good role models to follow in raising children. About two-thirds of child maltreatment cases are classified as neglect, frequently caused by parents abusing illegal drugs. Over 80 percent of abused children are under age six. Over 90 percent of child sexual assaults are committed by family members and close family friends whom the child typically knows and trusts.
There has been considerable success reducing child abuse using such programs as the Nurse Parent Partnership.
By J.J. Smith
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