Marist Communication Students Host Event to Prevent Child Abuse

According to Marist seniors Jessica Turgeon, Brenna McCarthy and Lauren Hawkins, at least one case of child abuse is reported every 10 seconds. And nearly five children die every day as a result of child abuse. The effects of child abuse mean more than statistics to these young women, however. As communication majors, the women have adopted this cause as a communication capstone course project designed to reduce the threat of child abuse.

The project, "Every Moment Counts: The Truth Behind Child Abuse," involves two special events that will take place on Monday, April 4, and on Tuesday, April 5, at Marist's Poughkeepsie (NY) campus. The events are being organized in conjunction with the Dutchess County Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

First, the women have organized a teddy-bear drive to support children who use the Center's services. Anyone willing to donate a new, unused teddy bear should go to the breezeway between Champagnat Hall and the Student Center on Monday, April 4, between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., where volunteers will collect the bears. 

The main event will take place on Tuesday, April 5, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., the women will host an informational lecture about child abuse in Marist Student Center's Performing Arts Room (PAR).

The lecture will include presentations by the Kathleen Murphy, the Center for Prevention of Child Abuse executive director; Michelle Taylor, a Center board member and a program director and on-air personality with Hudson Valley radio stations WRNQ/92.1 LITE FM and WCTW/98.5 LITE FM; and Dr. Linda Dunlap, a Marist psychology professor and child development specialist. Light refreshments will be served at the event.

To read more information about the event, RSVP to attend the April 5 lecture, or post questions or comments about the events, go to event sites on Facebook and Twittter.