The 3rd Annual Blueming for Prevention event, hosted on April 29th by Safe Haven and Keep Statesboro Bulloch Beautiful, was a great success, bringing together representatives from departments, offices, and organizations within the community to stand against child abuse.
Community members that spoke throughout the event included Amanda Clements of Keep Statesboro Bulloch Beautiful; Kim Billings of Safe Haven; Chief Mike Broadhead of Statesboro’s Police Department; Sergeant Jimmy Billings of Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office; Catherine Findley, Bulloch State Court Solicitor; Daphne Totten Ogeechee, Judicial Circuit District Attorney; Kristen Kramer of Child Advocacy Services SEGA, Inc.; Lily Gray of The Teal House; Tony Crosby of Statesboro Exchange Club; and Ash Holton of Safe Haven, who read a written statement from Prevent Child Abuse.
The lawn in front of Safe Haven was also adorned with blue pinwheels, which were later given out to attendees to help spread the message of Prevent Child Abuse America throughout the community. The pinwheels were chosen because in 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel as the new national symbol for child abuse prevention. The pinwheel suggests playfulness, joy, and childhood, serving as a physical reminder of the great childhoods we want for all children.
One of the main activities at the event for attendees was writing messages of love and encouragement for those impacted by child abuse. Attendees were given the opportunity to express their support for these children by writing uplifting messages on paper hands, which along with potted succulents provided by Keep Statesboro Bulloch Beautiful, would be gifted to children currently protected within Safe Haven's programs.
To begin the event, Kim Billings, Public Relations and Legal Services Director of Safe Haven, informed attendees of facts surrounding domestic violence and its devastating impact. Billings explained that domestic violence is defined as a pattern of behaviors used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. It is rarely isolated and tends to be progressive in nature. Unfortunately, domestic violence is a widespread problem with long-term consequences for victims and all family members.
Child abuse and neglect affect over one million children every year, and it costs the nation $220 million every day. Prevent Child Abuse America defines child abuse as a non-accidental injury or pattern of injuries to a child. Child abuse is damage to a child for which there is no "reasonable" explanation, including non-accidental physical injury, neglect, sexual molestation, and emotional abuse.
Despite their different forms, there are similarities between families involved in domestic violence and families involved in child abuse. Both forms of abuse cross all boundaries of economic level, race, ethnic heritage, and religious faith. Adults who were abused as children have an increased risk of abusing their children, and adults who grew up in a violent home are more likely to become perpetrators or victims of domestic violence.
It is important to note that both types of abuse are underreported due to shame, secrecy, and isolation. Victims may feel embarrassed or ashamed, and in some cultures and religions, they may even be shamed and stigmatized for leaving an abusive relationship or telling someone about it. That’s why it's essential to show support for victims and survivors in the community, to let them know they are believed and supported.
After discussing the importance of representation and support for those affected by domestic violence and child abuse, Billings invited those within the community that are partnered with Safe Haven in their dedication to be a resource for impacted families to speak about different ways they are making a difference within the local community.
One of the speakers, Sergeant Jimmy Billings, emphasized the importance of being a representation of courage for children. Sergeant Billings described the impact he has been able to see firsthand by being present within local school systems and building genuine bonds with kids.
“These children may be going through some of the most difficult experiences alone because they don’t have adults they can turn to and trust. When I walk through the schools, I remind myself it’s up to me to make a difference. It’s on all of us (the community) to be their champions.” Sgt. Billings expressed.
This charge to the attendees of being an active advocate for children and families impacted by child abuse was stressed by many of the speakers, all of which highlighted the importance of creating genuine bonds of trust, consistency, and dedication to their safety, as the majority of children helped by organizations such as Safe Haven and The Teal House have not been shown the love, support, or care by adults in their life that they need and deserve.
Bulloch State Court Solicitor, Catherine Findley, emphasized the importance of building connections of trust with children by sharing a real impact story from 2016. Findley described a traumatic case of serial childhood molestation that only surfaced due to the bravery of children coming forward and telling the truth of their experience. Through the dedication and commitment of local groups and organizations, many of which were represented at the Blueming event, case workers, officers, and state court officials were able to build a real relationship with the children, curating trust, and showing through lived example that there are adults that can be relied upon.
Findley continued, stressing that the success of the case only came about as a result of the community organizations working together as a team to support the family impacted.
Before passing on the mic, Findley shared a last sentiment. “Every case is important but some just carry with you. The services provided by all the groups here today made a real-life impact. We all, along with the general community, don’t always see the impact but it’s there, and the work that is being done makes a lasting difference.”
There are several ways the public can help address the problem of domestic violence and child abuse and make a real, lasting impact in their community. Referring victims to local agencies such as Safe Haven, the CASA, the Teal House, Prevent Child Abuse, or local law enforcement can save someone's life. Safe Haven is available 24/7 to survivors of domestic violence and provides emergency housing, safety planning, legal advocacy, pet assistance, important referrals, and more—all free of charge.
Kim Billings encouraged those in attendance to get involved. “It's understandable that people may feel overwhelmed by the problems they see and find it easier to look away. However, ignoring these issues can lead to devastating consequences. Domestic violence and child abuse are serious problems that require immediate attention. Unfortunately, these issues are often hidden behind closed doors and go unreported. We must speak up and take action to prevent further harm. It's important to address these problems early and fully to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Let's support each other and stand together to create a safer, healthier community.”
The 3rd Annual Blueming for Prevention event hosted by Safe Haven and Keep Statesboro Bulloch Beautiful plays a significant role in advocating for and inspiring a safer and more compassionate community and raising awareness about the various community organizations and offices that work together to stand against child abuse.
Put best by Statesboro Exchange Club’s Tony Crosby, “These kids need a helping hand, and that’s exactly what all of us are. We are that one hand that will reach out and say to them, ‘Hey, you are so loved.’ So as we do serve our community, look for the reminders in your daily walk that help bring awareness to the fact that there’s a kid out there who needs a little help, a little love, a little encouragement. Be the one to reach out and show them that people in this community really do care for you. Even if you’re going through the most extreme and difficult stuff, and life is spiraling out of control, we are here, and we aren’t going anywhere.”
By spreading the message of prevention and support and getting involved with organizations such as Safe Haven, we can all play a vital role in creating safer, healthier, and more loving communities for everyone. Let's work together to make sure that every child has the opportunity to grow up surrounded by support, love, and community!
