One in seven children in Oklahoma County will experience abuse. You can help

Yahoo

10-04-2025

One in seven children in Oklahoma County will experience child abuse. Let that sink in. These aren't just statistics — they are children in our neighborhoods, our schools and even our families. And despite what many people believe, child abuse doesn't always look like bruises or broken bones. It often hides in silence, shame and fear, especially when 90% of abused children know, love and trust their abuser.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and at The CARE Center, we're asking every Oklahoman to take a stand by participating in our annual Paint the Town Blue campaign. This effort is about more than just wearing a color — it's about raising visibility, building community awareness and, most importantly, empowering people to act.
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As Oklahoma County's only child advocacy center, The CARE Center provides specialized services to children who have experienced abuse. Every day, we work with families in crisis by offering forensic interviews, family advocacy, mental health support and prevention education. In the past year, we provided direct support to 1,957 children and reached 25,374 children through education programs. But we're not just responding to abuse. We're working to prevent it through education programs like ROAR and Recognizing & Reporting, which teach children and adults how to identify abuse and how to safely intervene.
Still, we can't do this alone. Ending child abuse takes an entire community, and that's why Paint the Town Blue is so important. Throughout April, you'll see Oklahoma landmarks glowing blue in solidarity, from bridges and restaurants to businesses and schools. Local favorites like Stella Nova, Hurts Donuts, The Jones Assembly, Pops, Surf Bar, Cafe Kacao, Main Event and more are offering themed food and drinks, with proceeds benefiting our work. These are simple, accessible ways to get involved with a significant impact.
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But perhaps the simplest way to show your support is by wearing blue during the month of April. When you wear blue, you're telling survivors, 'We see you. We believe you. And we're working to protect the next child.' If you post a photo and tag @carecenterok on social media, you help us amplify that message even further.
Some may ask, 'Can a color really make a difference?' The answer is yes when it comes with intention and action. Awareness leads to conversation, which leads to education, which saves lives. Abuse thrives in secrecy. But when we shine a light on the issue, we allow children to be heard and heal.
At The CARE Center, we believe in a future where every child in Oklahoma County grows up safe, heard and free from abuse. But we need your help to make that future a reality. Whether you attend an event, share our message online or simply wear blue in April, you are part of the solution.
This month, and every month, let's make it known that Oklahoma stands with its children. Let's Paint the Town Blue with purpose.
Stacy McNeiland is founder and chief executive officer of ROAR, the CARE Center. Learn more about Paint the Town Blue and how to get involved at carecenter-okc.org/paint-the-town-blue.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Join in the 'Blue' effort to halt child abuse in Oklahoma | Opinion