Berrien County's Amy Byrd highlights Child Abuse Prevention Month initiatives

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole meeting on April 10, 2025, highlighted critical issues surrounding child abuse prevention and community support initiatives. Prosecuting Attorney Amy Byrd addressed the assembly, emphasizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and Assault Awareness Month, aiming to raise awareness and dispel myths surrounding these pressing issues.

Byrd shared alarming statistics, revealing that 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls will experience some form of sexual assault before turning 18. She stressed the importance of breaking the silence surrounding these topics, noting that many victims are often abused by someone within their circle of trust. Byrd encouraged community members to participate in awareness activities, such as wearing blue and displaying pinwheels, which symbolize the fight against child abuse.

The meeting also spotlighted the vital work of local organizations like the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) and the Caring Connection, which provide support and counseling for victims of abuse. Byrd announced a fundraising event called "Tea Talk," featuring guest speaker Kevin Mulcahy, a former federal prosecutor and child abuse survivor, aimed at fostering understanding and advocacy within the community.

Commissioners expressed their support for the CAC, acknowledging its role in protecting children and improving the integrity of abuse cases. The center serves approximately 500 children annually, providing essential services that extend beyond the criminal justice system.

As the meeting concluded, Byrd and the commissioners reiterated the importance of ongoing education and community involvement in addressing child abuse, highlighting that awareness and support are crucial in creating a safer environment for all children in Berrien County.