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Kadena leaders declare April child abuse awareness month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephen G. Eigel
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  After President Barack Obama signed the official proclamation declaring April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the 18th Wing has signed a proclamation of their own at the Schilling Community Center on Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 8, 2015.

In order to bring attention to the national child abuse epidemic and challenge members of Team Kadena's community to do their part to prevent child abuse, members came together and watched as Col. Thomas Torkelson, 18th Wing vice commander, signed the proclamation.

"It really boils down to home life," said Torkelson. "They will copy what they see, and then we will see kids not necessarily victims of abuse, but part of a dysfunctional home, and we see how they act around other kids and that extends the cycle of violence."

It is important for everyone to be aware of their surroundings and play their part to help end the cycle of violence and help protect Kadena's warrior airmen and their families.

Torkelson added, "I think when we break that chain of emulating violence to our kids, showing them something to copy that we wish they wouldn't -- that's how we get past stuff like this."

Putting an end to abuse is a challenge for the whole community. Anyone can get involved by looking for signs of abuse or going out and participating in activities that help raise awareness as well as utilizing supporting agencies such as Family Advocacy or a chaplain.

"Child abuse prevention is a community problem," said Capt. Kimberly Lane, 18th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy officer. "Finding solutions depends on involvement among people in the community."

Throughout April, Family Advocacy is hosting several events so that everyone in the community can participate, help raise awareness and bring attention to national child abuse prevention month.

To find out more about these events visit Kadena Family Advocacy's Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Family-advocacy-kadena-ab/418139708293548?fref=ts or call DSN: 634-0433.