The Pennnyrile Children’s Advocacy Center highlighted its mission to provide services to children who are victims of sexual and severe physical abuse at its annual breakfast fundraiser Tuesday morning.
Executive Director Candra Barnett says they hope to train at least 1,000 people in the nine-county region this year to help prevent child sexual abuse.
Another way to assist their efforts is by donating financial resources, which Barnett says are much-needed.
One of every four girls and one of every six boys will be sexually abused by the age of 18 and Board Chair Kirstie Darnall says most will never tell anyone.
Barnett urged parents to teach their children the biological terms for their body parts to increase the likelihood they will know how to speak up if they are abused.
Todd County Sheriff’s Deputy Tracey Mayberry gave her perspective as a current school resource officer and former Hopkinsville Police detective and says the center is vital to the communities it serves.
Sarah Flynn received the Philip Meacham Believer Award and All Kleen Services was presented with the Community Partner Award.