A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
Algonquin college students during their child abuse awareness campaign. They are wearing t-shirts that say "Break the silence, Use your voice." On the back they say "Hear it, See it, Report it." Left to right bottom: Jessica Smith, Beau Arnold, Lisa Kyer and Melissa Arnold. Top: Molly O'Gorman, Cody McClelland, Kaitlin McLellan, Sydney Otten, Tracie Cook and Claire Minty.
On October 10, students set up a table at Algonquin College to raise awareness for child abuse.
On October 10, from 2pm to 4pm at Student Commons at Algonquin College, 3rd year students in the Child and Youth worker program set up a table to spread the word about child abuse awareness and the Purple Ribbon Campaign. The Purple Ribbon Campaign is a provincial campaign that the Children's Aid Society (CAS) organizes to promote child abuse awareness.
Students in the Violence and Abuse class, one of which is Akwesasne's Tracie Cook, were given an assignment to create something that would raise child abuse awareness. The students pictured set up a table and gave out pamphlets that they made and purple ribbons, they answered questions and talked to people about types of abuse, how to report it and what they can do to help raise awareness. The purple ribbon campaign not only encourages victims to not be silent about abuse, but also encourages witnesses not to be bystanders.
The pamphlet the students made included information on the types of abuse, which are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and abandonment/separation. It also detailed how to report abuse saying, "Everyone has a role to play in protecting children. The well-being and safety of children is in your hands. If you see or have reason to believe a child is in need of protection or is at risk of harm, make the call to CAS."
The students also gave away baked goods and heard peoples' stories of their own abuse or someone they knew. Their table raised $100, and 100% of the proceeds went to CAS Ottawa.
On a more local level, Akwesasne Child and Family Services (ACFS) is participating in the Purple Ribbon Campaign. The t-shirts the students are wearing in the picture are for sale for $10 by CAS. ACFS purchased some t-shirts and is giving them away for free at upcoming events, which include "Child Abuse Awareness Night" on October 18 from 7pm-9pm at the Anowarakowa Arena in conjunction with the Akwesasne Jr. B Wolves. They are also hosting an Office Promotional Challenge throughout MCA during the week of October 20-24. Offices who participate in this challenge will help promote Child Abuse Awareness by decorating their doors or desks with purple ribbons. Prizes will be awarded to participants (entire office) who have the most creative and unique display. Also, in the atrium of Kanonhkwatsheriio, ACFS has a display board and information available, including a way to win prizes. Stop by the display and fill out a ballot. Answering the questions correctly could win you a prize that is drawn every Friday at noon.
Tracie wanted to thank Leonard Lazore, Supervisor of ACFS Community Support Unit and Resource Development, Rae Cook, ACFS Program Manager, and ACFS staff for supporting their efforts to raise awareness for child abuse.
Everyone can wear a ribbon and everyone can help spread the message that violence of any kind is unacceptable. Men, women and children are all encouraged to support this campaign.
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