Fort Bragg Joins Cumberland County to Break the Chain of Child Abuse

teamed up with Cumberland County’s Child Abuse Professionals, students from Cumberland County and Fort Bragg Schools, and dignitaries representing Fort Bragg, Cumberland County, and the greater state of North Carolina to proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

Hundreds gathered at the Crown Exposition Center in Fayetteville on Friday for the “Breaking the Chain of Child Abuse” ceremony that highlighted speakers from both the Fort Bragg and Fayetteville communities and performances by students to increase awareness of and support against child abuse. 

Child abuse is known to increase the likelihood of criminal behavior, substance abuse, and health problems in abused children. Statistics also show that a child who grows up in an abusive home is more likely to be violent to their child as an adult, thus creating a vicious cycle. 

Dr. Sharon Cooper, a Forensic Pediatrician at Womack Army Medical Center, addressed the audience and stressed the significance of breaking the chain of child abuse.

 “We want our children to be able to be all that they can be,” said Cooper.  “[Breaking the chain] can change their future in respect to what they want to do in life.”

Cooper believes breaking the chain of child abuse is a community issue that should be addressed by both treating children after abuse and finding ways to prevent future occurrences.

“The community is responsible for making the necessary resources available to help with this,” said Cooper. “Being responsible citizens is the key to preventing child abuse.”

The Honorable A. Elizabeth Keever, Cumberland County Chief District Court Judge, officially proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“All citizens should become involved to provide safe and nurturing environments for children in all areas of their lives,” said Keever.