Bartlesville's Ray of Hope plants 391 pinwheels, each representing a victim of child abuse

Ray of Hope Advocacy Center planted 391 pinwheels outside its facility, each representing a confirmed victim of child abuse in the regions served by the center in 2023.

Throughout April and beyond, Ray of Hope Advocacy Center calls on community members and organizations to help create a nurturing atmosphere in Bartlesville during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The center emphasizes the importance of equipping parents with the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to ensure the health and happiness of their children and aims to prevent youth maltreatment within families and the broader community.

In support of this cause, both the Washington County Commissioners and the Bartlesville City Council have officially declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Bartlesville.

"We are glad that our community has declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month," Champagne Kane, Ray of Hope board president, said. "Child abuse is an uncomfortable topic for most adults. At Ray of Hope, we believe that we all have a shared responsibility to keep children and families safe. Families and communities need to work together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and we are proud to do that here in Bartlesville."

The advocacy group underscores the importance of protective factors, strengths, and resources that families rely on to navigate challenging periods.

Studies indicate that the presence of factors like understanding parenting techniques and insights into child development lowers the likelihood of neglect and abuse, leading to better outcomes for children, adolescents, and their families.

"The numbers can feel overwhelming when you think about our tight-knit communities, and we know that child abuse can have a lasting impact on children, families, and the community," said Rhonda Hudson, executive director of Ray of Hope. "Research has shown that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strongly linked to a wide range of health and social problems in adulthood.

"However, it's essential to recognize that recovery and healing are possible. When children's stories come to light, it creates an opportunity for them to access the resources and support they need for healing and HOPE."

Ray of Hope is engaging the community with interactive activities at the Bartlesville Public Library, including a drawing contest with a chance for children to win a new bike and educational resources to help them identify trusted adults they can turn to when in need.

Ray of Hope Advocacy Center serves adult and child survivors of various forms of abuse. The center is dedicated to providing comprehensive services and fostering a coordinated community response to abuse.

For more information or to report concerns of child abuse or neglect, visit www.rayofhopeac.org or call the Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-522-3511.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Ray of Hope pinwheels highlight Bartlesville fight against child abuse