Elizabeth Smart speaks out against child abuse for Boys and
Girls Town of Springfield
Elizabeth Smart
addressed residents of Springfield in an effort to bring attention to April as
child abuse and neglect prevention month.
This special free community event was organized by Boys and Girls Town of Missouri ,a Great Circle
agency, as part of the “Be a lifesaver-Prevent child abuse” campaign. .
Elizabeth told the widely publicized story of her 2002
abduction, abuse, survival and eventual return to her family 9 months later in
order to raise awareness in the Ozarks community. She explained her desire to use her tragic
experience as not only a cautionary tale but as a message of healing and
hope. The audience of approximately
1,900 comprised of state senators and representatives, non for profit child
advocacy groups, local business leaders, concerned citizens and local media. They gathered to learn more about the problems of child abuse
in our community, the state and the
nation and how to develop solutions.
Prior to the keynote speech, Missouri House representative
Shane Scholler spoke of the alarming effects that radiate out from cases of
abuse to our families, community and throughout the nation. He explained that
of 6,000 reported cases of child abuse in Missouri, 1,800 occurred in our
Southwest region. Schoeller stated that 5 children die every
day in the U.S. and that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are molested by age 18. Of those molested boys, 30% are more likely
to commit violent crimes and a third will go on to abuse their own children. Representative Schoeller urged the audience
to take action and end the cycle of generations of abuse.
Knowing children right here in the Ozarks are being victimized
by the very people responsible with their safety can be devastating but you do
have the power to help. Government,
private business, and organizations like Boys and Girls Town, CASA,
the News
Leader, Ken
Coleman's Memorial 5K to prevent child abuse, the Burrell center
and individuals are all taking action. Missouri
state senator Bob Dixon described his efforts in leading a child abuse
prevention task force and in bringing about a resolution in the Missouri senate
that recognizes April as child abuse and neglect prevention month. Jennifer Adams of the St. Louis office of The
Great Circle Agency explained that they help over 11,500 children in Missouri,
60% of those being victims of abuse.
Locally, in the Springfield Children’s home over 100 children a day have
access to 24/7 care including medical attention and emotional support.
After sharing the harrowing details of her 9 month ordeal,
Elizabeth Smart challenged Springfield to make a choice, “We all face adversity
in our lives and those who have experienced abuse must choose not to let the
pain and control continue.” She used
her story to teach that whether you are a victim of violence or facing life’s
adversity you have the power to take a stand and solve the problems that
confront you.
What can you do to
help prevent child abuse and neglect?
·
Become more informed and aware of the problem
·
Be vigilant and unafraid to report abusive
behavior in your community.
·
Volunteer for organizations like Casa and Boys
and Girls Town
·
Support local events like the Ken Coleman
Memorial 5K, April 21st
·
Donate money to organizations that are directly
involved in helping children of abuse
·
Set an example for your children and family
members by being a role model of respect and compassion
What are the affects
of a nation with 3.4 million cases of abused children?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention the cycle of abuse can be linked to:
·
1 year of confirmed cases of child maltreatment
cost the nation over $124 billion
·
Increased delinquency
·
Substance Abuse
·
Intimate Partner Abuse
·
Teen Pregnancy
·
Depression
·
Suicide
