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Pike County proclaims April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month; advocates urge clearer language and community support
Summary
Commissioners proclaimed April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month; Dixon House and victim-service advocates described outreach and said last year they served 174 children in Pike County, and urged precise language and community engagement.
The Pike County Board of Commissioners proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and heard remarks from local advocates and the child advocacy center about outreach, supports and awareness activities.
A local child advocacy representative described prevention efforts and community partnerships, saying last year the center “served 174 children in Pike County.” The speaker urged community support for events including pinwheel displays, library reading visits and local business fundraising. A victim-services representative urged people and the media to avoid euphemistic language about abuse, saying such language can minimize survivors’ experiences: “When we sugarcoat, the whole point is to make something easier to swallow,” the speaker said, and called for survivor-centered phrasing.
Commissioners thanked providers and moved to adopt the proclamation; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. County staff and local nonprofit partners (including Dixon House, VIP and CASA) were recognized for their roles in providing services and supporting families.
What’s next: The proclamation commits the county to recognizing prevention activities in April and supports continued collaboration with service providers; advocates said they will continue awareness events such as Denim Day and Teal Tuesday.
