"Be Aware Now" - Statewide awareness campaign

Since 2001, Missouri’s Child Advocacy Centers have served over 25,000 children who were alleged victims of child abuse.  Research suggests that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before age 18 and 90% of children sexually abused are abused my someone they know and trust.

In April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Missouri KidsFirst launched a statewide awareness campaign named “Be Aware Now” to educate parents, families and communities about these startling statistics.  The campaign which ran statewide highlighted how many children in Missouri are at risk.

Radio: "Scared" :30 MP3; "Dark Secret" :30 MP3

Next week, Missouri KidsFirst is co-hosting a statewide conference (PDF) aimed at bringing professionals together to prevent sexual assault.  Although this conference is a stepping stone to changing the future for children and families at risk, child abuse is a community problem that needs a community solution.  To find out how you can bring the Be Aware Now campaign to your community contact Rebecca Gordon.