ATLANTA (October 25, 2013) — Each year, the United Nations estimates that 2 million children worldwide are affected by sexual exploitation. Georgia, unfortunately, is not immune. The impact of such abuse will be addressed at Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia’s (CACGA) Seventh Annual World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse Conference on Nov. 21, 2013, at Kennesaw State University. The event brings together medical professionals, law enforcement officials, child protection professionals, and others for a day of information, awareness and a call to action on behalf of abused children.
CACGA will begin its efforts on Nov.1 with the “19 Days of Activism” campaign. During that time, CACGA and its 42 Children’s Advocacy Centers will join partner organizations to provide critical information about child abuse, and how local communities can fight it. These efforts are part of a global initiative and culminate with CACGA’s annual conference on Nov. 21. This year’s theme centers on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. Chong Kim, a survivor of human trafficking and child sex exploitation, is this year’s keynote speaker. She will recount her harrowing experience, which is depicted in the film Eden, as well as discuss the insidious relationship between child trafficking and other criminal enterprises.
“Chong Kim’s story is important for people to understand that child sex trafficking occurs in communities across the United States,” said Andrew Agatston, who serves on the management team of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia. “But she also provides detailed and insightful information about how child sex trafficking increases demand for other illegal and illicit trade activities.”
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CACGA’s statewide public awareness campaign is designed to mobilize families, community leaders, faith-based organizations, government officials and others with an interest in protecting and improving the lives of children. Conference presenters include Katie Jo Ballard, executive director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Children and Families; Dr. Sharon Cooper, a forensic pediatrician who has given more than 300 lectures on crimes against children; and other leading professionals who fight against child maltreatment. Collaboration among dedicated professionals such as these is critical to Georgia’s systemic effort to support child abuse victims.
“The depth and knowledge of this year’s speakers is amazing,” Agatston said. “We are fortunate to be able to offer this level of information to the public, and to those professionals who work so hard to respond to child maltreatment in our communities.”
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To register for the event, read more about the day’s workshops and learn more about our keynote speaker, visit http://ccpe.kennesaw.edu/worldday/. You also may connect with Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @CACGA.
About Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia (CACGA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and growing a network of 42 Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) across Georgia. When children and their families arrive at a CAC, they find a team of caring professionals who are committed to helping children through the trauma of abuse. Last year, more than 12,000 children received services at a Georgia CAC. Children’s Advocacy Centers combine the wisdom and professional knowledge of law enforcement, DFCS, prosecution, and medical and mental health to ensure an effective response system is in place that is sensitive to the needs of children.
About World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse
The Women’s World Summit Foundation launched World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse in 2000. It is a day to be commemorated each year in conjunction with the anniversary of Universal Children’s Day held on November 20. In 2011, World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse was expanded to include a 19-day campaign to increase awareness and activities to end violence against children and youth.
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Andrew Agatston