Child Advocacy Center of Niagara co-hosts eighth annual Walk to End Child Abuse

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Press Release & Graphic

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Child Advocacy Center of Niagara (CAC), a service of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, and Focus on Families will co-host the eighth annual Walk to End Child Abuse on April 30 at the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion.

The gathering starts at 4:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public, emphasizing the critical need for child safety, prevention of child abuse, and the reduction of trauma within our community.

This year's superhero-themed walk will feature appearances by real-life heroes from WNY Superheroes and Cosplayers, along with activities, giveaways, and children's crafts. Special guest Sabretooth from the Buffalo Sabres will also be on hand.

"Child abuse is a pervasive problem that thrives in silence," said Shelley Hitzel, LMSW, executive director of the Child Advocacy Center of Niagara. "Anyone in the community can be a hero to a child. We must be willing to have conversations that challenge the narratives of guilt, shame and blame to help the next generation believe in and fight for a society that no longer tolerates abuse of any kind. Child abuse is an epidemic, a public health crisis that impacts not only the lives of children today, but the adults they will become. The need for community engagement and public support has never been more urgent."

Nationally, one in seven children experiences abuse or maltreatment, and every nine minutes, a child is sexually abused. In 2024, the Niagara County Department of Social Services investigated over 3,500 cases of child abuse and maltreatment. Meanwhile, the CAC provided services to over 500 children and families in our community, offering forensic interviews, therapeutic child abuse medical evaluations, evidence-based trauma-specific counseling, and victim advocacy services completely free of charge.

In addition to direct services, the CAC provides prevention and education programming designed to educate adults and children on recognizing and responding to all types of child abuse within organizations, families and communities. For those interested in scheduling a training or supporting the CAC, contact the center at 716-285-0045. Anyone interested in attending the walk is welcome to join us on April 30; no registration is required.

The Child Advocacy Center of Niagara is a countywide resource providing a place for a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement, social services, prosecution, and medical and mental health personnel to investigate allegations of child abuse in a child-friendly environment, and provide support and treatments services to children and their caregivers. In addition to working with child victims, the CAC also provides support services, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to individuals experiencing domestic violence and sex trafficking.