DATE: March 25, 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: Miriam Firpo-Jimenez, Director
Nancy J. Cotterman Center
PHONE: 954-357-5754
EMAIL: mfjimenez@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County joins the rest of the nation in observing April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month. The County's Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC) is advocating for the prevention of sexual violence and child abuse through special events and public education and outreach during the observance. In 2015, NJCC served more than 3,700 victims of sexual assault and child abuse.
NJCC is calling on all residents to support this year's campaign, "Sexual Violence and Child Abuse: See Something; Say Something, call NJCC." The theme challenges our community to work together to prevent sexual violence and child physical abuse. Sexual violence violates a person's trust and feelings of safety, and happens to people of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, professions, incomes, and ethnicities. Child physical abuse impacts victims throughout their lifetime. Survivors of child abuse are at greater risk for physical, emotional, work, addiction and relationship problems throughout childhood and into adulthood.
Because sexual violence and child abuse impacts us all, it's up to all of us to help prevent it. Sexual violence and child abuse impacts our schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, college and university campuses, playgrounds, churches, and other cultural places. The financial cost resulting from medical, criminal justice, crisis and mental health services, and lost contributions affected by sexual violence is huge.
"Child abuse and sexual violence are social ills that are harmful to society and can create an environment of violence and fear impacting ones' sense of safety," said Miriam Firpo-Jimenez, Director of the Nancy J. Cotterman Center. "It's time for all of us to take action to create a safer environment for all."
Residents throughout Broward County are urged to contact the Nancy J. Cotterman Center at 954-761-7273 and speak to a crisis counselor if they are a victim or suspect someone they know is a victim of sexual assault or child abuse.
Local activities planned in April include:
Governmental Center Exhibit - April 2016
Throughout April, residents are invited to the Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, to view a powerful and moving shoe display demonstrating the impact of sexual violence in our community. This is an opportunity to learn more about sexual violence, and how to be part of the solution and join the prevention efforts.
Crime Victim and Survivor Tribute - Wednesday, April 13th
Join NJCC and the Broward Victims' Rights Coalition at the Garden of Reflection: A Place for Remembrance where we will honor crime victims and survivors with an inspiring program, and plaque dedication honoring Broward victims of sexual violence. The event will take place at 6PM at Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center, 3501 SW 130th Avenue, Davie. Light refreshments will be served following the program.
Annual Training and Awards Program - Friday, April 15th
The Broward Victim's Rights Coalition and NJCC are dedicated to creating awareness of victim's rights and empowerment through education and training. This program contributes to achieving these goals and recognizes the outstanding work that is done on behalf of Broward victims. NJCC will award CEU's to participants. Join us from 8AM - 2PM at the Sunrise Civic Center Grand Ballroom,10610 W. Oakland Park Boulevard, Sunrise. Training is $35 and includes the awards luncheon or $25 for the luncheon only. Contact Bridget Schneiderman at 954-602-4348 or bcschneiderman@miramarpd.org.
Family Fun and Resource Fair - Broward AWARE! Protecting Our Children - Saturday, April 16th
NJCC along with the Children's Services Council, ChildNet, the Florida Department of Children and Families, School Board of Broward County, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies and other community partners will host a Family Fun and Resource Fair - Broward AWARE! Protecting Our Children, from 11AM - 3PM, at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW Sixth Street, Fort Lauderdale. This day of safety and welfare presentations, entertainment, games, raffles and fun for everyone is free and open to the public. For more information call 954-377-1199 or 954-357-5775.
Denim Day - Tuesday, April 26th
Make a social statement with your fashion by wearing denim and denim ribbons to bring attention to sexual assault and child abuse. Show your support for ending sexual violence and child abuse by wearing blue jeans to the Broward County Commission 10AM meeting on April 26th. This visible show of support encourages everyone to talk about the issues, correct the misconceptions and no longer tolerate the silence that breeds violence.
About the Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC)
The Nancy J. Cotterman Center is Broward County's only Accredited Children's Advocacy Center and Certified Rape Crisis Center. NJCC provides a safe, non-threatening environment for victims and supportive family members. Services are intended to assist in matters of public safety, to help families understand what has happened and to aid in their healing from the wounds of child abuse and/or sexual violence. The Center was renamed in 2011 to honor Nancy J. Cotterman, who advocated tirelessly for adult and child victims of sexual and physical abuse through her work at the Broward County Sexual Assault Treatment Center. NJCC functions as a safety net for victims of sexual assault and/or child abuse and their non-offending family members, and collaborates with community partners in the areas of law enforcement, child protection investigations, state attorney's office attorney general, department of health and others.
For more information on the services of the Nancy J. Cotterman Center call 954-357-5775 or visit our website.