Purple Ribbon campaign focus on children

Aproximately 16.5 per cent of children under the age of six in Prince Edward County live at or below the poverty line.

That number is below the national average of 18.4 per cent and much lower than in surrounding communities.

Dwayne Stacey, Manager of Resources, Highland Shores Children’s Aid, is presented a report to County council Thursday regarding Child Abuse Protection Month in October.

“Child abuse or neglect can stem from a variety of causes including alcohol or drug abuse, mental health issues, or poverty,” his report states.

The numbers for local communities (Statistics Canada 2013):
Bancroft: 37.5 per cent
Tyendinaga Township: 37.3 per cent
Belleville: 34.1 per cent
Hastings-Highlands: 28.6 per cent
Hastings County: 27 per cent
Stirling-Rawdon: 26.7 per cent
Centre Hastings: 20 per cent
Quinte West: 18 per cent
Tweed: 16.7 per cent
Prince Edward County: 16.5 per cent

“During the month of October, Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario create awareness about the community’s role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect through the Purple Ribbon Campaign,” he said. “We’re all part of a larger family we call community. By working together we can make a difference in the lives of children and youth.”

He noted that peole think most of the work the society does involves sexual abuse, but other forms of abuse include physical or emotional harm, or neglect – doing something to a child, or not doing something for a child.

“When children are taught they are special, and that they have the right to be safe, they are less likely to think abuse is their fault, and more likely to report an offender,” Stacey’s report states.

What you can do:
Purple is the signature colour of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Wear a purple ribbon, purchase a purple item from the Quinte Children’s Foundation, or attend a “Go Purple” hockey game in Picton, Wellington, Quinte West, Cobourg or Port Hope.

Community Dress Purple Day is Friday, Oct. 16.