The two Triebel lion statues outside the Peoria Zoo are now donning blue ribbons in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Several child service organizations gathered at the zoo Wednesday to heighten public awareness about the often underreported crime.
Roy Harley is the Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois. Harvey invited attendees to wear blue ribbons throughout the month of April to spread awareness about child abuse and its devastating effects on children.
“All children deserve a great childhood because children our our future,” Harvey said. “And great childhoods make for successful and productive members of our communities.”
Harley says more than 100 events are taking place statewide to raise awareness about the issue. PCAI says close to 3 million reports of suspected abuse are filed in the US annually. Many incidents go unreported.
Pediatric Resource Center Executive Director Stephanie Johnson says aside from raising awareness about the issue, the best thing someone can do to prevent or stop an incident is to follow the mantra: “if you see something, say something.”
“In some of our cases where children do go on to die from child abuse and neglect. In the days after that death, we sometimes hear ‘oh i was really concerned about that child.’ If you are concerned, do make that call to DCFS or law enforcement,” Johnson said.
Johnson says Pediatric Resource Center provided medical services to 446 children who’d suffered from abuse or neglect in the Central Illinois region.
The zoo's director Yvonne Strode says like the lion statues guarding the zoo’s entrance for 40 years, adults need to be committed to protecting children from harmful people and situations.