This interview was conducted at the Henderson County Courthouse Annex Wednesday, April 7.
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Henderson County Judge Wade McKinney spoke about the current COVID numbers during this week's podcast (17:24), but most of the discussion centered around April being Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.
Tuesday, Commissioners Court approved both proclamations and then ceremonies were held at noon on the steps of the Courthouse. As is tradition, Judge McKinney read the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness proclamation to a crowd of advocates.
"Though it is something we really don't want to hear about, it is a reality," he said.
Afterward, 352 pinwheels were planted on the Courthouse lawn by advocates including those from the Henderson County Help Center, Maggie's House Child Advocacy Center, CASA of Trinity Valley, the Family Peace Project, members of the District Attorney's Office and County Attorney's Office, and representatives from several police agencies.
The number 352 represents one for every confirmed child abuse victim in Henderson County in 2020.
McKinney pointed out that's about 1 per day.
"When you break it down it drives it home that there are people out there who are impacted by this," McKinney said, "and it's not the next county over, it's not a problem somewhere else, it's a problem here."
One positive in Henderson County is the way the separate stakeholders work together. The advocates, peace officers, and prosecutors help each other in a way that doesn't always happen in other counties.
"In Henderson County, work with our nonprofit organizations, with law enforcement and with the prosecutors," McKinney said, "it is seamless."
Events are scheduled over the next several weeks supporting some of these nonprofits.
Maggie's House Child Advocacy Center
The Henderson County Help Center and Maggie's House Child Advocacy Center will host the First Annual Shoot Out Child Abuse shooting event Saturday, April 17, at 5H Shooting Sports in Frankston.
Registration is $125 per person. Team events are for four-member teams.
The event will feature three different events for one price: Tactical Handgun Course, Short or Long Shotgun Course, and the Long Bird Clay Event. There will be awards for top Lady, Man and Youth shooters, and the top two teams in each event.
There will be live and silent auctions. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided.
You must pre-register at 903-675-4357. Ask for Amanda.
Family Peace Project
The Family Peace Project will host its 20th Annual Waffle Breakfast at the First United Methodist Church in Athens on Saturday, May 8.
Advance tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children 5 and under. Tickets at the door are $10.
For any questions please call 903-286-3783.
East Texas Crisis Center
The East Texas Crisis Center will be hosting its 9th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Event on the square in Athens Saturday, May 29. The walk will be held during the Old Fiddler's Reunion.
This is the International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Violence against Women. A Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Event is a playful opportunity for men in our community to raise awareness about the serious causes, effects and solutions to sexual violence.
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Hannigan Media is sponsored by Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, AVCO Roofing, and Super 8 Athens TX.
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