The Blue Ribbon
Story
In the Spring of 1989, a Chesapeake, Virginia, grandmother
began what was to become the Blue Ribbon Campaign. It was a testimonial
to her three year old grandson, who was murdered by his mother's abusive
boyfriend. Bonnie Finney was the grandmother whose misgivings about the
way her grandchildren were being treated were confirmed in the most
tragic way. She spoke to a Richmond newspaper reporter about her
feelings.
"One day I was just thinking about all the bruises
I had seen on my grandchildren. I just decided I
was going to tie a blue ribbon on my van. Why blue?
I intend never to forget the battered, bruised bodies of my
grandchildren. Blue serves as a constant reminder to me
to fight for protection for our children."
What is Abuse?
- Emotional/Verbal Abuse is anything said or done that is hurtful or threatening to a child and is the most difficult form of maltreatment to identify.
- Sexual Abuse is any inappropriate touching by a friend, family member, and/or stranger.
- Physical Abuse is any type of contact that results in bodily harm such as bruising, abrasions, breaking bones, internal injuries, burning, missing teeth and skeletal injuries.
- Neglect means not meeting the basic need of the child and is the most common form of maltreatment.
Remember the Risk Factors
Child abuse and neglect occur in all segments of our society, but the risk factors are greater in families where parents:
- Abuse alcohol and /or drugs
- Are isolated from their families or communities
- Have difficulty controlling their anger or stress
- Appear uninterested in the care, nourishment or safety of their children
- Seem to be having serious economic, housing or personal problems
Home Alone Guidelines for Parents
Before allowing a child to stay "home alone", a parent must take into account the child's age, behavior and judgment. All children are different.
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For additional information, call 1-800-345-6347 or contact Administration/Prevention Unit at (601) 359-4255 or
email mdhs.ms.gov
