Muskingum County Stands Against Child Abuse
ZANESVILLE, OH – Muskingum County is turning blue this April to stand up for the safety and well-being of local children.
On April 3rd, Muskingum County Adult and Child Protective Services met with the County Commissioners to officially proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child abuse continues to be a serious issue in our community, and leaders are hoping this effort will bring more awareness and support.
“I believe that child abuse is a problem in any county no matter where you live. We know that families can go through hard times. We know that they go through times of crisis, and so in those moments, we know that poverty can cause substance use or untreated mental health, which can impact the way that families interact with one another. That’s why spreading the message of preventing child abuse and neglect and also knowing how to report it is so important no matter what community you live in,” HR/Public Information Officer, Melissa Wood said.
The Muskingum County Courthouse will be glowing blue all month long, and community members are encouraged to wear blue on April 9th in honor of children who’ve been affected by abuse. The best way you can help prevent child abuse is by speaking up if you suspect abuse or neglect.
“One of the biggest messages that we can share is that if you see something, say something. Call us, give us that information, let us take that information and process it. Let us be the ones to make that decision. We need our people in our community, we need our teachers, and we need concerned citizens. Anyone in the community is welcome to give us a call,” Wood said.
For more information on how you can help or to report suspected abuse, visit the Muskingum County Child Protective Services website.
