Dickson House Children's Advocacy Center honors National Child Abuse Prevention Month

At the April 6 Commissioners Meeting, resolution No 22-10 was passed, declaring April 2022 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Pike County.

Staff members of the Dickson House Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) were in attendance to inform the public of some of the protective and supportive services offered to victims and families.  

As part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the CAC is holding some special events and activities. 

Pinwheel Display
If you are traveling on West High Street, in Milford, you may have noticed blue pinwheels on the lawn of the CAC headquarters. Director of Victim Services, Sara Loeb, said, “By displaying pinwheels, Dickson House Children’s Advocacy Center joins over 40 Children’s Advocacy Centers across the State to draw attention to the importance of providing children with safe, healthy environments. The pinwheel represents a symbol of childhood, what every child should have – the chance to laugh and play without fear of physical or sexual abuse or neglect. The pinwheel also sends a message that children who have experienced abuse can still experience the joy of childhood.”  

There are 173 pinwheels lining the walkway leading up to the building. Each pinwheel represents a child that has been served by the CAC in 2021. This is a 13% increase in child victims from the previous year. 

Visit with Violet
On Thursday, April 14, the CAC will be hosting a “Visit with Violet” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its office, located at 103 West High Street, Milford, PA 18337. Individuals can meet Violet, the CAC’s comfort dog in training, while completing crafts. 

Public Awareness 
The CAC also created stickers with a QR code that, when scanned, links to the CAC Facebook page. These stickers were provided to local businesses to distribute to customers to raise awareness. The CAC page contains general information about the center and the services it provides, as well as informational posts on child abuse prevention.  

Around the Office 
Around the office, the CAC encourages County staff to wear blue on Fridays and to share their reasons for bringing awareness to child abuse prevention. 

ChildLine is a 24/7 hotline for reports of suspected abuse. If you suspect or witness the abuse of a child, please call 1-800-932-0313. 

Follow the Dickson House Children’s Advocacy Center on its Facebook and Instagram accounts.  

Photo ID: Commissioner Ronald R. Schmalzle, District Attorney Raymond Tonkin, Violet the CAC Comfort Dog, Commissioners Matthew M. Osterberg and R. Anthony Waldron, Director of Victim Services, Sara Loeb, and Special Victim Advocate, Helana Gorski.