The Riedel Foundation has awarded a $3,500 grant to The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Northeast Missouri to support child abuse prevention programs in Hannibal schools.
The CAC provides a safe, child-friendly environment for victims of abuse and coordinates investigations and crisis intervention services. In addition to responding to abuse, the organization leads proactive, school-based education programs that teach students how to recognize, resist, and report unsafe situations.
“This funding is important because it helps to protect children from experiencing abuse in the first place,” said Marcella Maggio, CAC Prevention Education Specialist in Hannibal. “In many cases, prevention programs help children understand behavior that is not appropriate and how to react in those situations. Every disclosure helps to end abuse and begin the path toward healing.”
Last year, more than 97% of students who participated in CAC’s Body Safety and Internet Safety programs demonstrated key prevention skills. Sadly, children who live in rural areas are almost twice as likely to experience child sexual abuse. Research shows that children who receive this education are 3.5 times more likely to report abuse.
“The CAC’s prevention efforts are making a measurable difference in the lives of Hannibal children,” said Riedel Foundation Administrator Sarah Deien. “We’re proud to support their mission to protect children and promote healing.”
The Riedel Foundation has a long history of supporting CAC’s work, including funding for forensic interview equipment, therapy services, and supplies. This latest grant continues that partnership, helping to build a safer future for more than 2,500 students in Hannibal public and parochial schools.