Child Abuse Prevention Month is underway

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Canopy Children’s Solutions South Mississippi Advocacy Center in Gulfport hosted an open house for guests to get a glimpse into what goes on within the center and learn more about child abuse prevention.

Banners were placed throughout the center, giving statistics and information on how many children have been served locally and in the state.

Blue pin wheels were placed in the front of the building, serving as a physical reminder of the great childhood children should have.

By 18 years of age, 25 percent of girls and 17 percent of boys were sexually abused.

In 2022, 7,955 lives of children and their families were served at the center. Canopy Children’s Solutions CEO Dr. John Damon said, “We not only want to bring awareness, but bring solutions and that’s what we do right here on the Gulf Coast. We have this Child Advocacy Center who last year served about 1,100 children who have been through some very difficult experiences, but who we capture that forensic interview and be able to take a story and not only bring justice for the perpetrator, but also bring hope and healing to the kid.”

For more information about the work at Canopy’s South Mississippi Child Advocacy Center in Gulfport or to get help visit mycanopy.org.