The Berrien County Prosecutor’s office is drawing attention to child abuse and sexual abuse during this Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Speaking to the Berrien County Board of Commissioners this week, Prosecutor Amy Byrd said one in four girls and one in six boys will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18, and most cases go unreported. Byrd said the majority of cases are perpetrated by a family member of the child or a family friend.
“We talk about it because it occurs at every socioeconomic level, every race, religion, and every gender,” Byrd said. “And we talk about it because talking about it and breaking the silence leads to prevention.”
Byrd said the prosecutor’s office has its own Victims Advocacy Unit that works with victims of child abuse and child sexual abuse.
“Who provide services to victims every day who have to go through the criminal justice system. They are there to walk with them through that process and be a shoulder or an ear or even just decode the confusing and frustrating criminal legalese for them.”
The prosecutor’s office also has partnerships with groups like Caring Connection, which runs an abuse shelter, and the Children’s Advocacy Center, which provides counseling and advocates for the victims of abuse as they’re moved through the legal system. Byrd said with counselling, most abuse victims can recover.
Byrd told commissioners anyone can recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month by wearing blue, displaying a pinwheel, or wearing denim on April 30. Also, she said a Tea Talk featuring a former federal prosecutor will be held April 24 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at The Inn At Harbor Shores to raise funds for the Children’s Advocacy Center. She invited commissioners.
