Pinwheels planted in Hancock County representing child abuse victims
235 pinwheels spin in the wind at Hancock County Court House, representing abused children in Hancock and Pearl River County.
“The pinwheels represent the number of children that we provided services to,” said multi-disciplinary team facilitator, Jayne Riley, “Children that came in, interviewed for forensic interviews, were serviced through the multidisciplinary team and who received services not only as children but as child victims.”
This multi-disciplinary team is made up of local organizations with expertise in helping child abuse victims. They help plant the pinwheels to show people how many children need help.
“It’s just a reminder today to bring the team together to celebrate prevention,” Riley said. “…and also just to acknowledge the hard work that each agency that is represented here today does on a daily basis.”
Unfortunately, there’s no concrete way of knowing if child abuse has gone down in the county, but these pinwheels also help unite organizations working to stop child abuse, so they know they aren’t in this fight alone
The county district attorney’s office works closely with this multi-disciplinary team.
“We could have an increase in reporting, but it may not represent an increase in actual crime,” said Ian Baker, Chief Assistant Attorney for Harrison, Hancock, and Stone County. “On the flip side of that, you may have some cases that are not being reported. So, we don’t look at numbers alone we look at the quality of cases we have.”
The DA’s office has seen an increase in successful convictions, however, since this initiative started.
“Anytime that you have local agencies working together for a common goal, the end result is that the cases improve and justice received for the victims is certainly more complete,” Baker said.
“It’s comforting to know that I live and work in a community where children matter, and people are willing to come forward and advocate for them,” said Hope Haven Executive Director, Jennifer Boehm.
