Posted on March 8, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
In order to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect while simultaneously collecting resources to help those in need, an event entitled “Break the Silence with Bags of Hope” will be held at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center next month.
According to the latest statistics available from the Indiana Department of Child Services’ child fatality report, nearly 60 Hoosier children died from some form of abuse or neglect in the 2016 State Fiscal Year.
Of those deaths, 42 percent were deemed accidental and 41 percent were determined to be homicide.
Statistics indicate that abusive head trauma accounts for 92 percent of abuse cases. When it comes to neglect-related cases, vehicles or other forms of transport were the leading cause of death at 32 percent with asphyxia and drowning as the next most common causes at 23 percent and 17 percent, respectively.
Every year, April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention month to help bring those kinds of startling statistics to light and to encourage communities to take action to protect local children.
To do their part to raise awareness, the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office and Starke County Department of Child Services are teaming up with Mary Beth Photography to host a fun fair.
On Saturday, April 6th individuals and families can come and enjoy games and activities at the community center in Knox from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
The cost of admission will be one item that can be added to one of their “bags of hope.”
Acceptable donations include baby wipes, diapers, pull-ups, stuffed animals, baby books, crayons, colored pencils, coloring books and baby powder.
They’ll also accept toiletries such as shampoo, body wash, deodorant, lotion, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Event organizers note that used items and money will not be accepted. For more information visit the event page for the Break the Silence with the Bags of Hope Fun Fair.
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