I have always loved the month of April! Just the name its self makes me think happy thoughts! Easter usually falls in April, which is also a special day for us to remember our Savior and His ultimate sacrifice. Along with all of this April is a special month for another reason as well. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month! It wasn't up until last year that I became aware of this! Abuse is a very sensitive subject, especially for the victims. Its extremely difficult to talk about and its usually not something you just bring up on a normal conversation with someone. People do need to be more aware of it though and accept that is is happening! Children need to be aware of it as well!  I have strong emotions and feelings towards this subject. Especially towards the voices of the victims of abuse. These voices NEED to be heard! 

1 in 6 boys will become victims of sexual abuse. Utah ranks 34th in the nation for child welfare spending. 1 in 4 girls will become victims of child abuse. there is a confirmed case every hour of every day in Utah: 42 percent were younger than 5 years old. 53 percent of the victims were female; 47 percent were male. Utah ranks 8th in the nation for proven cases of child abuse. alcohol or drug abuse was a contributing factor in 1 out of 3 cases. nearly 1 in 4 reported cases involved sexual abuse. 90 percent of all child abuse is perpetrated by a person the child knows! 

I found these statistics Here. 

I know this subject is extremely difficult to talk about but it NEEDS to be discussed. We need to be aware that this is happening and it is required of us as citizens to report abuse and help prevent it!  This is something that is happening right here in our community! Don't be oblivious and pretend it doesn't happen! These statistics are from cases that were actually reported. I know there are so many more that are never even found and reported. Adults who have lived there life in silence or they tried to tell but there voice was not heard or believed. If its not you yourself, someone you know has been a victim of abuse. 

The Voices of the children need to be heard and we as adults are the ones that need to listen!    

Matthew 8:

1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the ^agreatest in the kingdom of heaven?

 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little ^achildren, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 4 Whosoever therefore shall ^ahumble himself as this little ^bchild, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my ^aname receiveth me.

 6 But whoso shall ^aoffend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

CASA the organizations Jordan and I are involved in is starting a new training on May 2. If you are interested in getting involved now is the time! 

www.cjcwc.com is also a great website for more information! They also have different opportunities to get involved and volunteer! 

If you have any questions please email me! I would be happy to answer or try to find any information that you need! 

John 14:

 27 ^aPeace I leave with you, my ^bpeace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be ^ctroubled, neither let it be afraid.

The Savior understands to the fullest degree. 

Peace I leave with you regarding these things.