April 22, 2020 - Since 2012, the Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center has hosted a Butterfly Release during the month of April to recognize April as Child Abuse Awareness Month.
In the past the Butterfly Release has been held at 4:30pm which is why this story was posted today at this time. April 22nd was the planned day for the 2020 Butterfly release, however, COVID-19 has caused so many community events to be cancelled which is why Shelby County Today released these electronic butterflies on the Around Town page.
The Butterfly release is an event which doesn't raise money but raises awareness. In the 2017 Butterfly Release, City of Center Mayor David Chadwick spoke and told the story of the butterfly. "Remember the Indian Legend of the butterfly and what it means and how we had learned you would tell a butterfly a secret." He continued to explain the butterfly is symbolic of the gesture that we try to instill in a child to tell someone what their problems are. According to the legend, by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens to be granted.
Statistics - During fiscal year 2019, 59,919 children receive critical services at a children’s advocacy center in Texas. 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
Out of 59,919 child victims served at a CAC in Texas last year:
- 98% KNEW their alleged perpetrator.
- 47% were between the ages of 6 and 12.
- 35% of these children are male.
- 65% of these children are female.
Resources:
- Shelbycountycac.com - Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center
- CACTX.org - Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas
- Childwelfare.gov - National child Abuse Prevention Month 2020 Strong and Thriving Families
- Preventchildabuse.org - 2020 Child Abuse Prevention Month
