In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Child Advocacy Center of Niagara, a service of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, and Focus on Families will co-host its eighth annual Walk to End Child Abuse today at the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion, starting at 4:30 p.m. The gathering is free and open to the public, emphasizing the critical need for child safety, prevention of child abuse, and the reduction of trauma within our community.
This year’s superhero-themed walk will feature appearances by real-life heroes from WNY Superheroes and Cosplayers, along with activities, giveaways, and children’s crafts. Special guest Sabretooth from the Buffalo Sabres will also be on hand.
“Child abuse is a pervasive problem that thrives in silence,” said Shelley Hitzel, LMSW, executive director of the Child Advocacy Center of Niagara. “Anyone in the community can be a hero to a child. We must be willing to have conversations that challenge the narratives of guilt, shame, and blame to help the next generation believe in and fight for a society that no longer tolerates abuse of any kind. Child abuse is an epidemic, a public health crisis that impacts not only the lives of children today, but the adults they will become. The need for community engagement and public support has never been more urgent.”
Nationally, one in seven children experiences abuse or maltreatment, and every nine minutes, a child is sexually abused. In 2024, the Niagara County Department of Social Services investigated over 3,500 cases of child abuse and maltreatment. Meanwhile, the CAC provided services to over 500 children and families in our community, offering forensic interviews, therapeutic child abuse medical evaluations, evidence-based trauma-specific counseling, and victim advocacy services completely free of charge.
In addition to direct services, the CAC provides prevention and education programming designed to educate adults and children on recognizing and responding to all types of child abuse within organizations, families, and communities. For those interested in scheduling a training or supporting the CAC, please contact the Center at 716-285-0045. Anyone interested in attending the walk is welcome; no registration is required.