Assault And Abuse Prevention Main Focus Of Proclamation Ceremony In New Bedford

Society must work together to address sexual violence and child abuse.

This was the message from Wednesday's Proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford.

While in the middle of Boys & Girls Club's basketball court, Mayor Jon Mitchell designated April as Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month in New Bedford and made note that "it takes a full court press to combat sexual violence."

Pamela Macleod-Lima is the Executive Director of The Women's Center in New Bedford and spoke about the importance of coming together to raise awareness about violence against women and children.

Macleod-Lima says her organization works "to provide information to the community about what to do if you have a loved one who's been assaulted, but also what you can do as an individual to try to end these things that happen in our society."

Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County Executive Director Michelle Loranger also spoke about the work being done in the community to prevent and address child abuse.

Both organizations work together and with law enforcement to spread awareness and help victims and families in need.