Local leaders from across North Alabama gathered Tuesday at the National Children’s Advocacy Center to spotlight the ongoing effort to protect children from abuse and neglect. The event included a joint proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Mayor Tommy Battle of Huntsville, Mayor Ranae Bartlett of Madison, and Madison County Commission Chairman Rex Vaughn presented the proclamation, praising the NCAC’s work as a model for communities across the nation.
“This is a time to put an exclamation point on what they’ve done, but it’s more of a time to recognize what’s being done yearly,” Battle said. “This is part of the things that make our community such a special place. We’re doing work here that spreads all across the world.”
Founded in 1985, the NCAC was the first children’s advocacy center of its kind in the United States and continues to lead the field in preventing and responding to child abuse. Each year, the center provides services to more than 1,000 children and their families, including forensic interviews, medical exams, mental health support, and parenting education.
Allie Tucker, president of the NCAC board of directors, said the organization plays a critical role in helping families navigate trauma. “Kids who’ve been through these types of things have long-lasting effects from the trauma. As a parent, sometimes it’s really hard to talk to your kids about things they need to know about. The NCAC really helps to teach parents the language and the tools that they need to have those tough conversations,” Tucker said.
Leaders say the center’s work goes beyond responding to abuse, emphasizing education and prevention to protect children locally and globally. Advocates also encouraged community members to stay informed and involved throughout the year to support children and families in North Alabama.
Mayor Tommy Battle, Mayor Ranae Bartlett, and City of Madison Chairman Rex Vaughn holding the signed proclamation.
