Why We Wear Blue on October 24th
On Monday, October 24th, child advocacy centres (CACs) and community allies in the fight against child abuse will create a wave of blue across Alberta for #GoBlueAB day. Part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, it is a day when Albertans are called on to wear blue as a show of support and solidarity with the thousands of children, youth, and families impacted by abuse in our province.
“As child advocacy centres, we are deeply committed to the prevention of child abuse by building awareness, engaging the community, creating networks and alliances, enhancing the capacity of caregivers, and empowering children, youth and families,” said Karen Orser, CEO of the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Calgary. “Our collective goal for the #GoBlueAB campaign and Child Abuse Prevention Month is to share our knowledge and expertise so that we can build informed, engaged communities where all children are safe.”
Year over year, CACs across Alberta continue to see an increase in the number and complexity of child abuse cases. Last year alone, the Luna Centre in Calgary supported over 2,700 children and youth and their caregivers and siblings, and more than 13,000 young people and families since it first opened its doors in 2013.
“Child abuse is everyone’s concern, and we cannot stress enough how important it is that all Albertans understand the essential role they can—and must—play in protecting children and youth and advocating for those who need support,” says Orser.
Earlier this month, Luna launched a new awareness campaign called Be the Light. Appearing across various media platforms, the campaign seeks to educate Calgarians on how to recognize signs of abuse and what to do about it.
In other community initiatives, The City of Calgary and Government of Alberta have shown their support for Child Abuse Prevention Month with a proclamation and official statement respectively; the Calgary Tower will light up in blue on October 24th; and IHOP locations in Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Edmonton are running a special promotion fundraiser for #GoBlueAB.
“I wear blue to raise awareness and support for the youth who have been affected by child abuse and sexual exploitation. When we look at these types of offences—which increase each year—all efforts should be taken to improve and lessen the impact of these crimes against children.”
“Wearing blue to me is important as I want the youth and families to know I hear them and I believe them!”
“I wear blue so that every child, youth and their families know that they have people standing with them and advocating for them. I also wear blue to help raise the community’s awareness of child abuse and its surrounding issues. Finally, it is a true honour to be part of a team that is dedicated to the well-being of our children and youth, so I wear blue to say that loudly and proudly.”
