What is the Joining Hands to Protect Children Campaign?
This campaign aims to show the community coming together to help end child abuse. By signing a paper hand and displaying it in a public space, you will become an ally. (This campaign models the shamrocks for
Muscular Dystrophy).Why is this taking place in April?
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Children's Advocacy Center wants to reach out to institutes
across Rhode Island to help increase awareness and reduce the number of children who may become victims. Currently, 1 in 5 children will be a victim of sexual abuse before the age of 18.
What does it mean to become an ally?
Becoming an ally means that you recognize that child sexual abuse is an issue in RI and that you will not
tolerate it. It affirms that you will not rely on children solely to defend themselves; that you will actively work to reduce the stigma associated with child molestation and sexual abuse; that you will encourage
healthy relationships; and that you will remain committed to protecting and supporting children.
Is there a monetary commitment?
There is no monetary commitment. Our only wish is that you share the information we provide you so that more people can become allies in the fight to end child abuse. Any organization in the state is invited to
participate: businesses, schools, community groups and individuals.
Additional Questions?
Please feel free to call 401-421-4100, ext. 223 or email
amartyn@dayoneri.org. It is our goal to get every
day care in RI involved and we are very interested in any feedback to make this project more effective. Thanks for your help!How to Participate
Thank you for your interest in participating in the creative arts project -- Joining Hands to Protect Children -- that we have initiated for April, which
is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).We are collaborating with organizations throughout the state to join hands
with us to support children and prevent violence. You can download the information from our website. All you have to do is sign your names and display the hands.
Invite staff, patrons, and visitors, to sign their names on the paper hands we provide (or to trace their own hand) and display them collectively in a prominent area – like an entrance area. This show of hands will symbolize
your community wide commitment to end child sexual abuse. These hands will reinforce the messages seen on billboards, heard on the radio and viewed on the news during April.
As you may be aware, 1 in 5 children will be a victim of sexual abuse before the age of 18. In fact, our Child Advocacy Center begins seeing children at the age of 3. Your role in educating parents and children is imperative to
their safety. If you have a newsletter/community board we will provide you with information to include about ways to prevent abuse, ways to talk to children, and ways to help support victims their loved ones. The hands will
open the door for parents to begin the dialogue on this important issue with their children.
Please fax back the attached form to join hands with us in this campaign. If
you are planning any other SAAM activities for April we will include them in our calendar of events. Thanks for your commitment to ending child sexual abuse.
For more information contact Hugh Minor, Communications Specialist, at 421-4100 ext. 109.
