Blue Bow campaign draws attention to child abuse, neglect

In 2011, more than 14,000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in Delaware. In any given month, 700 children are in Delaware's foster care program.

To draw attention to the extent of the problem, dozens of people gathered April 1 on The Circle in Georgetown for the Blue Bow campaign, started 20 years ago by a Virginia grandmother who tied a blue ribbon to her car antenna as a memorial to her grandson, a victim of child abuse. Her simple act ignited a national campaign each April to prevent and stop child abuse.

Coordinated by Children & Families First, the Blue Bow event featured speakers who praised those who advocate for children and stressed the importance of constant vigilance.

“We have the moral responsibility to make sure no child is abused; we have to do everything we can,” said Lt. Gov. Matt Denn.

Most abuse cases occur when children are less than 4 years old or those who suffer disabilities, said Patricia Dailey Lewis, an attorney who is director of the Family Division of the Delaware Department of Justice. “No one is looking out for them but you,” she told those assembled on The Circle.

She said one in four girls and one in six boys are molested by the age of 18. “But only 1 in 10 is reported,” she said. “Ninety percent of the abuse is by people they know. Our job is to protect children; we must be aware and we must be vigilant.”

“The greatest thing we can do as an advocate is empower them to the greatness we see in them,” said Heather Williams about the young victims of abuse. Deputy child advocate Williams said as a children's lawyer she represents neglected and abused children everyday.

As an example, she described two of her clients who have risen above years of abuse and neglect to find their way out of the darkness – one child has been adopted and the other is in foster care.

For more information go to cffde.org or phone 800-220-3092.