North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson recently joined advocates and law enforcement officers at the SAFEChild Advocacy Center to raise awareness of the ongoing tragedy of child abuse and neglect.
While at SAFEChild’s Advocacy Center, Governor Stein signed proclamations recognizing April 28th as Children’s Advocacy Center Day and April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“Every year, there are more than 100,000 reports of child abuse and neglect in North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud to recognize Children’s Advocacy Center Day and Child Abuse Prevention Month so that we can seek justice and promote healing for North Carolina’s children, as well as reaffirm our commitment to protecting kids from abuse.”
In his previous role as NC Attorney General, Stein worked with the General Assembly to pass the Sexual Assault Fast Reporting and Enforcement Act, or SAFE Child Act, requiring people and institutions to report abuse to local law enforcement, regardless of the abuser’s relationship with the child.
Stein has continued to prioritize children’s safety as governor. His 2025-2027 budget proposal calls for increased investment in the Positive Parenting Program, which seeks to strengthen parenting skills and prevent child maltreatment.
“Every child in North Carolina deserves to grow up in a nurturing environment, free from abuse and neglect,” said SAFEchild Executive Director Cristin DeRonja. SAFE Child North Carolina provides care, counseling, and resources to thousands of children and families impacted by abuse.
“A child who experiences abuse requires decades to recover and heal, which is why it is crucial that children’s advocacy centers have the resources to provide essential intervention and treatment for children who suffer from traumatic abuse and neglect. These children need a sense of hope, knowing that someone believes them and is on their side. I am eternally grateful for Governor Stein’s support and commitment to preventing and eliminating child abuse and neglect.”If a child you know is exhibiting signs of being abused or neglected, resources are available.
