Simpsonville police kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month

Kids from Bundle of Joy Academy attend event

Simpsonville, S.C. — The Simpsonville Police Department kicked off National Child Abuse Prevention Month on Friday by hosting an event on the front lawn of headquarters.

Surrounded by blue pinwheels placed in the ground to raise awareness about child abuse, an audience of city officials, police officers, stakeholders and preschoolers gathered to acknowledge the serious epidemic of child abuse in the U.S. Simpsonville Victim's Advocate Emily Smith, who hosted the event, said National Child Abuse Prevention Month is an important time to come together as a community and recognize ways to prevent child abuse and neglect.

"Our kickoff event gave Simpsonville the space to come together as law enforcement, healthcare workers, educators, and other community members to bring awareness to such an important cause," said Smith, who was hired as the new victim's advocate in February. "Through events like these, we hope to cultivate and foster relationships and empower our community to protect children while strengthening families."

After a prayer by Police Chaplain John Smith, a proclamation declaring April National Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of Simpsonville signed by Mayor Paul Shewmaker was read by Roger Acton, the Faith Based & Victim Services Project director for the S.C. Victim Assistance Network. A copy of the proclamation is included under Supporting Documents.

Mayor Shewmaker introduced the children of Bundle of Joy Academy, whose presentation was a rendition of "The Wheels on the Bus" that would warm anyone's heart. Cpt. Cheryl Gibbs spoke on behalf of the Police Department before Prisma Health officials presented Easter baskets to the kids at the conclusion of the event.

For more information about National Child Abuse Prevention Month and ways to raise awareness, please visit www.childwelfare.org.

Simpsonville Victim's Advocate Emily Smith welcomes dignitaries and guests to the National Child Abuse Prevention Month kickoff at the Simpsonville Police Department | City of Simpsonville

Faith Based & Victim Services Project Director for the S.C. Victim Assistance Network Roger Acton reads a proclamation signed by Mayor Paul Shewmaker declaring April National Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of Simpsonville | City of Simpsonville

Simpsonville Mayor Paul Shewmaker introduced pre-school children from Bundle of Joy Academy for their presentation: a heart-warming rendition of "Wheels on the Bus" | City of Simpsonville

Simpsonville Police Cpt. Cheryl Gibbs spoke on behalf of the Simpsonville Police Department at the kickoff of National Child Abuse Prevention Month | City of Simpsonville

Students from Bundle of Joy Academy were guests at the kickoff to National Child Abuse Prevention Month at the Simpsonville Police Department. The children received Easter baskets from Prisma Health officials | City of Simpsonville

Prisma Health donated Easter baskets to the pre-school students of Bundle of Joy Academy at the kickoff to National Child Abuse Prevention Month | City of Simpsonville