SECAC holding events for Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the South Enotah Children’s Advocacy Center (SECAC) is promoting multiple events this month to raise awareness for the cause.

SECAC had several events planned for the month, but things have changed due to the COVID-19 virus, said Rebekah Perethian, SECAC executive director. On April 3, they encouraged everyone to wear blue to support child abuse prevention awareness. They’ve also put up pinwheels for prevention along the driveway of the SECAC office on Kenimer Street in Cleveland.

“Next week (April 13-17) we are doing something called five days of action,” she said. “All month long, we’re also promoting a campaign [called] Flip the Switch.”

Flip the Switch is offering the Darkness to Light Stewards of Children training for free, she said. The training session aims to better prepare the community to prevent child abuse and to be able to address suspected incidents. Anyone interested in the free offer can use the code “fliptheswitch” at fliptheswitchcampaign.org.

The five days of action theme is “Know. See. Respond.” SECAC will be posting on its social media accounts each day something that falls under the theme, Perethian said. The goal of the five days of action is to raise awareness about child abuse and inspire adults to take action to protect children. The themes are: Monday – Introduction to the Five Days of Action and Know. See. Respond., Tuesday – Know, Wednesday – See, Thursday – Respond, and Friday – Next Steps.

A proclamation in Lumpkin County for Child Abuse Prevention Month is also planned. Because there are no White County Board of Commissioner meetings scheduled at the moment, she doesn’t know if one will be done for White County.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of SECAC’s annual dodgeball tournament fundraiser at the University of North Georgia, which usually brings in about $500, Perethian said. A golf tournament scheduled for early May could also be canceled or postponed. She said they’ve budgeted $20,000 for the fundraiser, with that money usually helping match grants.

To help make up those funds, Perethian said SECAC is selling T-shirts, making $600 so far. T-shirts can be found here. Donations are also welcome.

During a press conference last week, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said there has been a reduction in reports of child abuse, which was most likely because students and teachers are not having as much face time as they normally do.

“Teachers and administrators are often the first ones to see the signs of abuse, and with schools closed, we must remain vigilant about this problem and work to remedy it,” Kemp said. “If you are a child in crisis or know of someone who needs help, please reach out to the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services at 1-855-GACHILD. That’s 1-855-422-4453.”

Perethian echoed the words from Kemp, adding that they will probably see an increase in cases when kids are around adults that are safe again.

“We are waiting to see an influx in this,” she said. “Unfortunately, just because we’re not getting referrals doesn’t mean it’s not happening. We’ve been trying to post on Facebook about talking to kids, explaining risks to parents and stuff like that.”

Details about what SECAC is doing can be found on their Facebook page.