NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—In honor of the “National Day of Hope,” Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) and Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey (PCA-NJ) hosted a workshop titled “Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention: Basics 101” on April 2.

National Day of Hope is observed on the first Wednesday of every April as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Over 30 participants were in attendance including RWJUH staff, nurses, nursing students, medical students, chaplains, and other local community members.

“There are over 9,000 substantiated cases of child abuse in New Jersey every year. 100% of these cases are preventable and we were so thrilled to see the commitment from the attendees to protect our children,” said Christine Citera, Community Education Specialist at PCANJ.

Participants were encouraged to bring the information and resources back to share with their communities including churches and family support organizations.

The workshop was followed by a short ceremony and candlelight vigil to honor victims and survivors of child abuse and neglect. Children from St. Ladislaus preschool sang songs that promoted happy, healthy childhoods.

PCANJ, along with a number of Rutgers fraternity and sorority groups, will be hosting the Race for Prevention on Saturday, April 26 at Johnson Park on River Road in Piscataway. The 5K race will honor the memory of Jessica Miller, who died from injuries inflicted by her stepfather.

Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey, incorporated in 1979 as the state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, works in all 21 New Jersey counties to eliminate child abuse and neglect in all of its forms.

All of the organization’s work is research-based and built around nationally-recognized models.

The nonprofit coordinates a full spectrum of family support programs including home visitation services, parent education groups, initiatives that promote parental involvement in a child’s education, and programs for highly vulnerable families.

More information is available online at www.preventchildabusenj.org or via telephone at 1-800-CHILDREN.

Sports Reporter at New Brunswick Today | 732-208-5651 | acangiano@nb.today

Experienced journalist and educator who loves writing about local issues and social justice. Also a big fan of Rutgers sports.

Experienced journalist and educator who loves writing about local issues and social justice. Also a big fan of Rutgers sports.