April is Child Abuse Awareness Prevention Month.

An event was held today at the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center, where County Executive Anthony Picente issued a proclamation.

"While we of course remain diligent all year long, April is the time we get the chance to really put a spotlight on the myriad of programs and events that continually take place throughout the county to protect our children from abuse," said Picente.

Officials, including Sheriff Rob Maciol, talked about the work being done at the center to fight child abuse.

Dianne Stancato is the Executive Director of the YWCA Mohawk Valley, which recently added two advocates to the center.

Stancato says in the first two months of the year, CAC advocates worked with 132 new referrals, which is an alarming number.

CAC Director Deputy Chief Joseph Lisi say the center took in 692 calls in 2016, resulting in over 130 arrests, with many resulting in significant jail time.

Blue pin wheels were placed on the front lawn of the Advocacy Center as a reminder of the many children who have been affected by abuse and neglect.

Jim Rondenelli, WIBX
Jim Rondenelli, WIBX
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