Mayor Jon Mitchell declares April Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month

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“Sexual assault in Greater New Bedford is a persistent problem. It strikes far too many people…Not just women, but children, and even men.”)

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell issued an official proclamation yesterday, marking April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Mayor Mitchell was one of several speakers who addressed the crowd at City Hall, joined by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County, The Women’s Center, and the Chief David Provencher of the New Bedford Police Department.

Calling it one of the worst traumas one can suffer, Mitchell said, “Sexual assault in Greater New Bedford is a persistent problem. It strikes far too many people…Not just women, but children, and even men.” Noting the city’s already persistent efforts to combat sexual assault and child abuse, Mitchell said, “Here in New Bedford, we have a tremendous service provider network and there is no group of service providers I would prefer to have to handle these problems.”

Pamela Macleod-Lima, Executive Director of The Women’s Center also commented on the local network of support and highlighted the role of law enforcement. “The ring of support that surrounds victims starts with the criminal justice end,” Macleod-Lima said. “We know that victims that find their way to the police will be heard.”

Courtney Cahill spoke on behalf of Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter’s Office. “The District Attorney is dedicated to the prosecution and prevention of these cases,” she said. “We receive numerous reports from across the county and have a Special Victims Unit where all child and sexual assault cases are reviewed, investigated, and prosecuted.” Cahill commended the work of Assistant District Attorney Silvia Rudman, Head of the Special Victims Unit, and noted that there are attorneys and advocates specifically designated and trained to handle such cases.” Cahill additionally remarked on the need to work together saying, “It is important to prosecute, but also to work closely with our partners at The Women’s Center, because that is where our victims become survivors.”

Michelle Loranger, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center, spoke specifically to the issue of child abuse. “Child sexual abuse are three words that are hard to hear together. National headlines and the Children’s Advocacy Center tell us the issue is not going away.” In fact, Loranger pointed out that New Bedford referred the most cases to the CAC in the first five years of its existence. “We have realized a 59% increase in services to victims of child abuse and their families,” however she attributes the increase in disclosures to greater outreach and education.

Loranger reminded attendees that despite the center’s valued services, prevention and education remains critical. “Child abuse and sexual abuse is preventable. Education and awareness are the first steps to prevention.” Similarly, Macleod-Lima appropriated April as a starting point to making a difference. “There are reasons for awareness months. These are times when we turn our eyes to the issue and our voice to the problem,” she said. “This year, the theme is It’s Time to Talk About It, but really, it’s past time to talk about it… Violence and abuse feed on silence.” Noting that only 16 percent of sexual assaults are ever reported, Macleod-Lima urged attendees to break the silence. “It’s difficult to talk about, but we have to do it. Silence is not golden – not when it comes to abuse and violence. That is where these things thrive.”

Closing the ceremony, Mayor Mitchell encouraged ongoing support of community organizations and urged all to communicate about the issues. He said, “Today’s proclamation is to remind us that these are big problems that haven’t gotten away, but that we can continue to fight them if we are willing to work together.”


About Ashley Bendiksen

Proud Southcoast, seaside native; Advocate for women's empowerment, leadership and success with special interest and expertise in writing, social media, PR, and communications; Lover of books, life, and all things fabulous.

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