Mayor Perry declares April Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Hilton Head Island

Child Abuse Awareness Month was officially proclaimed at the Hilton Head Island Town Council meeting on April 8, 2025, highlighting the urgent need for community involvement in preventing child maltreatment. Mayor Alan R. Perry presented the proclamation, emphasizing that the well-being of South Carolina's 1.1 million children is crucial for the state's future prosperity.

The proclamation noted alarming statistics, revealing that in the fiscal year 2024, there were 7,663 investigations into child maltreatment in South Carolina. Mayor Perry stressed that child abuse is not just a personal issue but a public health crisis with long-lasting societal consequences. He called for a collective effort from individuals, families, organizations, and government agencies to support the healthy development of children.

Louise Dawson from Hopeful Horizons and Megan Buzz from Kappa were present to support the initiative, reinforcing the message that effective prevention requires community resources and knowledge. The mayor urged all citizens to commit to protecting the quality of life for every child, marking April as a month dedicated to awareness and prevention of child abuse.

This proclamation serves as a rallying call for Hilton Head Island residents to engage in efforts that ensure safe and nurturing environments for children, aiming to foster their growth and development.