April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Awareness Month. Dunebrook is sponsoring a variety of activities throughout the month and joining with other organizations, to bring to light the issue of child abuse and neglect. This year’s theme, “There is NO excuse for child abuse…they need YOU” was created to energize our community to join the fight against child abuse and neglect.
The most recent data from the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), states that in DCS Region 2, comprising Porter, La Porte, Starke, Newton, Jasper and Pulaski Counties, there were 560 substantiated cases of child sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect in 2011. Dunebrook’s Executive Director, Diana Dibkey comments, “These numbers only represent the cases brought to DCS’ attention; many more go unreported. Just one maltreated child is too many.” Dibkey adds, “There’s a correlation between child abuse and juvenile delinquency, substance use, depression, teen pregnancy, dropping out of school and incarceration. All of these problems weaken our community. Last year, child abuse cost our nation $80 billion; but, even more tragically, child abuse forever scars its victims.”
Dunebrook invites the community to join in these April activities which are aimed at raising awareness of the constant presence of child abuse and how to respond if abuse is suspected:
March and April – Window Cling Sale and MCAS Bus Display
Dunebrook is selling repositionable window clings for your home or vehicle to show your support of child abuse prevention. Clings are on sale now at Dunebrook for just $5. Also, check out the school bus parked at Michigan Area Schools facility on Franklin Street (across from Ames Field), which will display a Prevent Child Abuse banner throughout the month.
April 6 – Walk to Prevent Child Abuse, Michigan City
Meet at 10:00 am at Ames Field on Franklin St. in Michigan City for the round trip walk to City Hall, where walkers will plant a pinwheel garden. All are welcome (parent supervision required for children.) Rain or shine.
April 10 -16 – Al’s Supermarkets “Donate a Dollar Keep A Child Safe”
Stop in at Al’s locations in Michigan City, La Porte and South Haven. Donate $1.00, $5.00 or more, and receive a boy or girl cut-out on where you may write your name to show your support of child abuse prevention. Cut-outs will be displayed in Al’s stores throughout April.
April 10 – Buffalo Wild Wings Give Back, La Porte
Dine in or carry out between 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. A percentage of sales goes to Dunebrook (no coupon necessary).
April 13 – “Fun in Michiana”, Mayoral Proclamation, and Open House at Al’s
WE-FM’s Saturday morning program returns to Dunebrook, beginning at 9:00 am. Enjoy refreshments and tour Dunebrook. Mayor Ron Meer and Mayor Blair Milo will proclaim April as Child Abuse Awareness Month in La Porte County during the broadcast. Stop in Al’s at any La Porte County location or at South Haven, and chat with Dunebrook staff who will be on hand to answer questions and pass out children’s books to promote early reading (quantity is limited).
April 16 – “Holly’s Give Back Night” and WE-FM Broadcast
Present the Give Back coupon and a percentage of food sales will be donated to Dunebrook. Coupon is good throughout the day and is available at Dunebrook, www.dunebrook.org (click on Holly’s Give Back) and at Dunebrook’s Facebook site; click on Events. From 1pm – 4pm, Dunebrook staff is sponsoring a live broadcast at Holly’s with WE-FM 95.9.
April 16 – Awareness Vigil
(sponsored by the Department of Child Services) Join with DCS and the community for an Awareness Vigil with candles and pinwheels at Millennium Park in Michigan City at 6:00 pm.
April 17 – Walk to Prevent Child Abuse, La Porte
(sponsored by First United Methodist Church) Meet at First United Methodist Church on Michigan Avenue, La Porte at 5:30 pm for a light meal, then make a round trip walk to the La Porte County Courthouse on Lincolnway. Dunebrook staff will be on hand to answer questions.
April 20 – Walk to Prevent Child Abuse, Valparaiso
(sponsored by Porter County Child Abuse Prevention Council) Meet at 10:00 am at the Porter County Courthouse on Lincolnway. The walk will continue east on Lincolnway, then north on Morgan to the Butterfield Pavilion (at the old fairgrounds).
April 23 – Presentation of Child Abuse Intervention Award
Dunebrook will join with the Michigan City Exchange Club to present the Child Abuse Intervention Award, recognizing an individual who demonstrates the desire and ability to protect our children from the dangers of child abuse and neglect.
May 1 – Nurturing Parenting® presentation with Dr. Stephen Bavolek, Ph.D.
Dunebrook welcomes Dr. Bavolek, an expert in the fields of child abuse and neglect treatment and prevention, parenting education and creator of the Nurturing Parenting® programs. Dr. Bavolek will be speaking on May 1, beginning at 5:30 pm, at the Northern Indiana Education Foundation Auditorium, 111 E. 4th St., Michigan City. Seating is limited. Adults only, please. Please RSVP to 800/897-0007.
Dibkey adds, “We are so grateful for our community partners who are helping to raise awareness this month: Al’s Supermarkets, the Michigan City Exchange Club, Buffalo Wild Wings, Holly’s, Tonn & Blank, Michigan City Area Schools, DCS, the First United Methodist Church, Porter County Child Abuse Prevention Council, and so many others. Preventing child abuse is a community-wide effort and we are so fortunate to have organizations like these who care so deeply for the well-being of our children.”
Dibkey urges, “If you suspect a child is being harmed or in danger, please call your local police, 911, or DCS at 800/800-5556. All too often people think that it is a private, family matter, or perhaps that someone else will make the call. Each of us is responsible for our community’s children.”
In 2012, Dunebrook served 9,500 individuals in home visitation, Nurturing Parenting® classes, Body Safety presentations and forensic interviews of children who allege abuse. By supporting, encouraging and educating parents, Dunebrook helps them to help their children grow up safe, healthy and happy.
For more information about April events, parent support programs or volunteering at Dunebrook, call 800/897-0007 or visit www.dunebrook.org. Friend us on facebook and twitter.