Blue Ribbons Raise Awareness Of Child Abuse

FULTON, NY – While most people know what the yellow ribbon and the pink ribbon represent, Karrie Damm, executive director of the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County, wants the community to be just as familiar with the blue ribbon and what it represents.

“The blue ribbon represents the battle against child abuse. In the month of September, community members helped us get that message across by showing their support for our efforts,” explained Damm. “I met with the superintendents of our area school districts and they displayed blue ribbons at their schools. Also, villages, towns, and cities in Oswego County, most notably those of Fulton, Granby, Hannibal, Lacona, Mexico, Minetto, New Haven, Oswego, Redfield, Schroeppel and Williamstown also displayed blue ribbons throughout their area in support of child abuse awareness and prevention.”

The CAC kicked off the blue ribbon campaign as part of its first ever Go Blue! For Kids Campaign, which concluded with its seventh annual Blue Ribbon Ride in September.

The purpose of the campaign was to raise awareness of child abuse in Oswego County and educate people on the significance of the blue ribbon.

“Thanks to the support we received from concerned community members, area businesses, and the efforts of our board of directors, Pamela Branshaw-Drumm, Diane Cooper-Currier, Deb Meyer, Gail Godici, Francis Lanigan, and Mary-Margaret Pezzella-Pekow, our first Go Blue! For Kids Campaign was a success. I would like to continue the momentum of the Go Blue! For Kids Campaign and engage the community in the CAC’s battle against child abuse,” Damm said. “I encourage community members to look for and recognizing the signs and symptoms of child abuse and report it to the New York State hotline at 1-800-342-3720 and perhaps share some of your time and join us as a volunteer at the CAC.”

The CAC is a non-profit organization that provides therapy and services to approximately 50 children each week.

Working hand-in-hand with local law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, medical providers, therapy providers, and victim advocacy professionals in Oswego County the CAC seeks to protect and serve child victims of sexual and physical abuse.

For more information on the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County and how you can help support its efforts, call 315-592-4453. missing or outdated ad config

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