Peel Regional Council recently declared October to be Child Abuse Prevention Month in the Region.

“We as a community are responsible for providing a safe and sound environment for our children,” commented Councillor Patricia Mullin of Mississauga, chair of the human services committee of Regional council. “By declaring October to be Child Abuse Prevention Month, our hope is to bring awareness to this issue and the ways in which we can protect our children from experiencing any form of abuse or neglect.”

This October, Peel Children’s Aid is asking community leaders, organizations, schools and the public to not only report possible signs of abuse or neglect, but to join together in wearing a purple ribbon, button or wristband supporting the end of child abuse in the community.

“In the presence of an economic recession, increasing numbers of families in Peel are feeling the effects of stress due to job loss, underemployment and lack of educational and development opportunities,” remarked Janet Menard, commissioner of the Region’s human services department. “Statistics published by Peel Children’s Aid show that these potentially volatile conditions are often the root of violence in the home and community.”

In its 2008 report on Finance and Economic Affairs, the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies demonstrated a link between poverty and child abuse in areas of the province that have experienced economic distress. The Children’s Aid Societies in these areas report child-protection caseload increases of up to 45 per cent within six to 12 months after jobs were lost, with other community partners providing similar statistics. In Peel, between April 2008 and March 2009, Peel Children’s Aid responded to almost 11,500 calls from concerned citizens, teachers, doctors, families and the police in relation to children or youth who might be in need of protection. Of these calls, nearly 4,500 resulted in investigations.

“Human Services staff and volunteers work together to create and operate several programs that promote the safety and well-being of children in Peel,” Menard added. “By dedicating the month of October to preventing child abuse, council is further demonstrating their commitment towards the Peel Children’s Charter of Rights and helps bring awareness to what is a yearround concern.”

For more information on Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Peel Children’s Aid Society, visit www.peelcas.org