Press Release: April is Child Abuse Awareness Month

MERRILLVILLE, IN – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and is a time for reflection on our duty to the children around us. During this month, Geminus, a member of Regional Care Group, will have events geared towards educating the community on child abuse and providing information about what can be done to make a change.

“It is important for us to understand and recognize the dangers of child abuse,” says Nicholas Neal, Vice President of Community Services at Geminus. “The more we do as a community to prevent child abuse, the more our children can feel safe.” Two candlelight vigils will be held this month in memory of all victims of child abuse and neglect:

• The La Porte County Candlelight Vigil for Victims of Child Abuse on April 20 at 5 p.m. at La Porte City Hall in La Porte, IN
• Lake County Candlelight Vigil for Victims of Child Abuse on April 28 at 5 p.m. at the Old Lake County Courthouse in Crown Point, IN.

Foster parents who attend the vigils are given a continuing education unit for resource parent training. Both events are open to the community. Low income, unemployment and substance abuse are frequently cited as stress factors among caregivers, which can lead to the abuse and neglect of children.

Geminus provides trainings, workshops, programs and other social service resources such as residential assistance, prevention services for substance use, domestic violence and child abuse prevention, childcare and early learning programs such as Head Start.

Geminus Community Partners provides individuals and families with connections to agencies, support groups, and other assistance programs, such as job counseling or parenting classes. There are many resources that can be used to help end child abuse. Mistreatment can come in many different forms, including emotional and physical. If you see something, say something. Call the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556.

If you and your family need assistance, please contact Geminus Community Partners at 866-641-7181. For more information on events, programs, and services available, please visit Geminus.care.

###

ABOUT GEMINUS
Geminus Corporation with community-based health care providers, social service organizations and early childhood education programs to help increase access to high-quality social health care for children and families across Northern Indiana. Geminus Corporation is a member of the Regional Care Group.