Norfolk Advocates for Children, DA Morrissey Host Open House April 29

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey and Norfolk Advocates for Children are holding an open house at the NAC’s Foxborough facility explaining what they do, how citizens can be involved in working to protect children, and featuring previews of the national “One With Courage” Campaign.

“In 2011 alone, more than 1,500 children are believed to have died from abuse and neglect across the country,” District Attorney Morrissey said. “We know that only a fraction of cases result in death, and only a fraction ever come to the attention of law enforcement.”

Many cases of mistreatment only stop when an adult who understands and recognizes signs of abuse alerts law enforcement. “Educating parents, coaches, clergy – anyone who comes in contact with children – about how to recognize and respond to signs of trauma or abuse is one of our most important tasks as a society dedicated to protecting children,” Morrissey said.

Norfolk Advocates for Children and the District Attorney are joining Massachusetts Children’s Alliance and the National Children’s Alliance in using National Child Abuse Prevention Month to bring greater attention to the problems of child abuse intervention and prevention – and promote what the NAC and similar organizations do all year long.

As a supporter and member of the Children’s Advocacy Center movement, District Attorney Morrissey and the NAC recognize the importance of a community that is engaged and educated in the fight against child abuse. Please join District Attorney Morrissey and NAC professionals on Tuesday, April 29 from 4-6 p.m. at 12 Payson Road in Foxborough, near the police station.

The night will include an introduction to the “One with Courage” Public Awareness Campaign.  This campaign is centered on the courage it takes to talk about child sexual abuse; the courage of child victims to coming forward and the courage it takes adults to talk about the issue, learn the signs and report abuse when it is suspected.

District Attorney Morrissey and the NAC use and support a multidisciplinary response to allegations of child abuse. The NAC also provides services designed to help our communities be better educated on the benefits of this process and how to recognize and respond to signs of abuse. During the month of April, the issue of child abuse will be at the forefront of national discussions and the DA and NAC are urging everyone to participate in the open house or another activity this month.

Norfolk Advocates for Children is a partnership of public and private social service and law enforcement agencies collaborating to help children who have experienced physical, sexual and domestic abuse.  The NAC offers an immediate response to cases of child abuse and coordinates direct care to these children and families using a child-friendly, culturally sensitive and multidisciplinary approach.  The NAC, a 501 c 3 non-profit, also provides community education, training and advocacy on issues related to child abuse prevention and treatment.  For more information, visit Norfolk Advocates for Children, the Massachusetts Children's Alliance, the National Children's Alliance or One with Courage.