March 31, 2011 MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in the city. Joined by One Place Family Justice Center director Steve Searcy and vice president Karen Sellers, Strange read the official proclamation, noting that 40 percent to 60 percent of child abuse cases are in families where domestic violence is present. "We are delighted we have the opportunity to have the first Family Justice Center in the state of Alabama," Sellers said. "Brings together those programs and services into one place where a victim of child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse can go to get the help they need." Sellers said that just two days ago, 22 people walked into One Place Family Justice Center to seek services. "It has been sadly, overwhelmingly successful," Sellers added. Searcy said that 10 million children witness domestic violence each year and that 60 percent of the time police officers arrive to the scene of a domestic crime, children are present. "It is the duty and responsibility of all professionals to identify those children and give services to them," he said. |
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National Family Justice Center Alliance • San Diego, CA 92101 • Phone: (888) 511-3522 • Fax: (619) 236-0677