October is Child Abuse Prevention Month when the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) and CASs’ call on all Ontarians to help protect children from fear, harm and violence and support families in crisis. Throughout October, we will raise awareness of the signs of child abuse and neglect and the vital role that members of the community play in reporting any suspicion that a child may be in need of protection. Agencies across Ontario, with the support of community partners, will be hosting events to kick off the campaign on October 1 and throughout the month.

The campaign raises awareness on a provincial and community level, engaging the public, media, and families across Ontario. Children’s Aid has put together a Public Awareness Kit with the aim of providing information to help raise awareness about Child Abuse Prevention.

Every Ontarian has a responsibility to protect children from harm and help each child live a life free of fear and violence. The stories of our children and youth are profiled in a storybook, along with other materials, available on the OACAS website. To learn more, visit http://www.oacas.org, useyourvoice.ca, or contact your local Children’s Aid Society.

And I will add that this matters all across Canada and around the world.