Locals gather near the Barren County Courthouse for a photograph after a proclamation was signed, which recognized National Child Abuse Prevention Month, on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.
(SUBMITTED)
GLASGOW — Local officials and community members gathered near downtown Wednesday morning to observe the signing of a proclamation recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Harold Armstrong, Glasgow’s mayor, and Micheal Hale, Barren County judge executive, signed the proclamation. The month has been recognized nationally since 1983.
There were 20.1 cases of child abuse or neglect per 100,000 children in the state, according to a study published last year by the Kentucky Justice & Public Safety Cabinet.
Kentucky ranks highest in the nation for child abuse and neglect.
“The official recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month by the City of Glasgow and County of Barren affords child abuse prevention advocates an opportunity to coordinate their efforts and to educate the public in unison, causing citizens to become more aware of the negative effects of child abuse and the strategies for preventing child abuse,” according to the proclamation.
Hale and Armstrong called upon locals to “observe this month by continuing to build awareness and a network of services that can better address the needs of children and families in distress.”
If you suspect a child is being abused, call the statewide Child Abuse Hotline toll-free at (877) 597-2331. You may also report abuse incidents online.
