April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and you can help there is a need for prevention in Virginia- particularly in Hampton Roads.  According to Virginia’s Department of Social Services:  between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008-  50,598 children were reported as possible victims of abuse and/or neglect.  6,099 children were found as victims of abuse or neglect- most often by their biological parents. An additional 37,879 children were referred for a family assessment. 36 children died as a result of child abuse in fiscal year 2008. Eleven of those kids lived in Hampton Roads.

Prevent Child Abuse has an annual event to help raise money for research and education in Hampton Roads.  You can help by going out to eat at participating restaurants and buy raffle tickets or tee-shirts and other items the celebrity waiters and waitresses will be selling.  This is a picture from the event at 456 Fish in Norfolk last year.

Come join me at The Big Easy Bar and Grill in Norfolk on Thursday, April 2.  The event goes from 6-10pm.  Several restaurants are participating…. go to the website below to see the other celebrity wait staff schedules. Hope to see you there! Remember- it shouldn’t hurt to be a child!

Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads is  a volunter-based, non-profit group made up of concerned citizens who are committed to the prevention of child abuse in all of its forms.
For more information- go to www.ucantbeatkids.org or call 757-440-2749