Ross County recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month

Shelby Reeves, Chillicothe Gazette
·2 min read
Community members, first responders and members of the Child Protection Center of Ross County commemorated Child Abuse Prevention Month with a display at the entrance of Yoctangee Park.
Community members, first responders and members of the Child Protection Center of Ross County commemorated Child Abuse Prevention Month with a display at the entrance of Yoctangee Park.

CHILLICOTHE — To commemorate April being Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month and help people visualize its importance the Child Protection Center of Ross County put up 1,954 pinwheels and ribbons at the entrance of Yoctangee Park

Each of these pinwheels and ribbons represents a report of child abuse in Ross County from 2023. Several community members, first responders and elected officials were at the park to help make this display.

During the event, Rhiannon Gill, Executive Director at the Child Protection Center of Ross County, thanked the first responders and detectives for all their help in working to protect the children of Ross County. The Ross County Commissioners office and Chillicothe Mayor offices also presented proclamations declaring April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Ross County and Chillicothe.

Community members, first responders and members of the Child Protection Center of Ross County commemorated Child Abuse Prevention Month with a display at the entrance of Yoctangee Park.
Community members, first responders and members of the Child Protection Center of Ross County commemorated Child Abuse Prevention Month with a display at the entrance of Yoctangee Park.

One woman, Connie, told attendees how she has dealt with the center and how it has helped her over the years. She is the grandmother and adoptive mother of a child, Isabella, who was physically abused and neglected in the early parts of her life.

She thanked the center for all their work and support in helping Isabella and herself find support and resources in the community. She said that with this support she has been able to see her child blossom and grow into a victor, not a victim.

Connie also called on attendees to use their voices and support the children of Ross County saying that abuse is not something that can be ignored. She pointed out that every single child represented through the pinwheels and ribbons is more than just a number, they are real people who can be helped.

"Who's going to speak up for them?" asked Connie. "Who's going to fight for them?"

The Child Protection Center of Ross County conducts the sexual and physical abuse assessments for Children’s Services and Law Enforcement for Ross County as well as Pickaway, Scioto, Pike, Athens, Meigs, Vinton and Fayette Counties. The center can be contacted by calling 740-779-7431

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Community comes together to recognize child abuse cases in Ross County