PEORIA, Ill. – The Center for Prevention of Abuse is doing its part to try and reduce the rate of violent crime in Peoria, and especially in specific areas.
The center has placed billboards in places known for criminal activity and histories of domestic violence as part of their “Safe from the Start” program.
“We need to help children name their emotions and just come to terms with any trauma they may have experienced so that they can grow from it and learn from it,” said Carol Merna, CFPA CEO, to 25 News.
Merna says one in five adults has experienced some form of childhood trauma, and the hope with this program is that kids won’t carry trauma with them into adulthood.
“Sometimes kids need help,” adds Merna. “[We] want to help them change maybe a broken childhood and make sure their adulthood is not broken.”
The billboards have messages like “childhood trauma. we can help.” and include the center’s number and website.
CLICK HERE to find out how you can contact the Center for Prevention of Abuse.
