Colorado organizations raise awareness with Child Abuse Prevention Month

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - In light of Child Abuse Prevention Month, several local organizations are doing their part to inform the community of resources available to the community.

In El Paso County, the Department of Human Services says in 2019 they saw a total of about 16,777 calls -- compared to 2020's total of about 14, 569 calls.

"Yes, the numbers are down, it probably is because things are not back to normal," said Kristina Iodice with the El Paso County Department of Human Services. Partly due to the pandemic-- and kids being away from school and other activities.

Non-profit organization CASA of the Pikes Peak Region, which advocates for victims of child abuse and neglect is observing Child Abuse Prevention Month with its "Month of Hope" campaign.

According to CASA of the Pikes Peak Region, they expect to see an additional 120 children enter its programs this year due to the pandemic.

Usually, around this time, CASA of the Pikes Peak Region would be preparing for their big fundraiser, but due to the pandemic, they are hosting their fundraiser online.

The Pueblo Police Department is also participating in Child Abuse Prevention month with its new campaign looking to raise awareness of this topic throughout the Pueblo community. Led by their crime prevention officer Meagan Chapman, people will be able to find resources and information on how to report child abuse and neglect through their social media pages every Monday and Thursday for April.

The El Paso County Commissioners will be reading a proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month on April 13 followed by planting a pinwheel garden in front of Centennial Hall.

Additional Resources:

Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS to make anonymous reports of suspected abuse or neglect.

DONATE TO CASA’S MONTH OF HOPE CAMPAIGN:

• Visit www.casappr.org/hope to learn more about CASA’s month-long “Month of Hope” campaign which, in the spirit of social distancing, is being held in place of the annual fundraising event in 2021.

• Make an online donation at www.casappr.org/hope or sign up to start your own fundraising page which you can share with family and friends.