October is being recognized as child abuse prevention month in Haliburton.
Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society says the month is meant to raise awareness about the role we all play to keep kids safe from the many forms of abuse; physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, exposure to domestic violence, and child neglect.
The society says it’s important to be able to identify child abuse, and report it. Officials say in 97 per cent of investigations in Ontario, children do end up staying with their families. However, work is done to address issues in the home like addiction, unemployment, poverty, domestic violence, or mental health challenge.
Children’s Aid will also be providing this message to teachers, students, and parents. It will also work to help teachers talk about child abuse and neglect so kids can have a better understanding of it.
The month caps off on October 24th, when Ontarians are being encouraged to wear purple in order to collectively share the message that child abuse and neglect are preventable.
You can find out more about child abuse and neglect on Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society’s website.
With files from Andreas Pandikiu.