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Local groups are coming together to discuss child sexual abuse in Stanly County.
The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, The Butterfly House, Stanly County Department of Social Services and mental health organizations will have an informational session at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center.
SCSO Sgt. Karcin Vick-Dunn says the idea for this event sprang from its organizers attending the Carolinas Symposium of Child Abuse last year.
“After the symposium, we all sat down to collaborate about what we took from the speakers and data presented. In doing so, our Spread the Word event was invented,” Vick-Dunn said. “We hope to provide members/leaders of religious organizations more clarity about child abuse as a whole and equip them with peer-reviewed empirical evidence of red flags and how to best protect the children in their organizations. This will also include when/how to report and what an investigation looks like from beginning to end to include all the different organizations that work together to provide victims and their family the best possible resources and assistance while enduring some of the most difficult processes of their life.”
Butterfly House Director Amy Yow said information will be shared about the Butterfly House and laws.
“Knowledge is key to prevention and keeping our kids safe,” Yow said.
While it was originally planned for just religious leaders, organizers have opened the event up to the public.
“We are hoping to connect with as many people as possible to really open the line of communication with our community,” Vick-Dunn said.
Email CID@stanlycountync.gov or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spread-the-word-tickets-1020593311067?aff=oddtdtcreator to register.

B.J. Drye is general manager/editor of The Stanly News & Press. Call 704-982-2123.