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Governor Bevin, Mayor Fischer, and Mayor Gorton Proclaim October 4 as TEN-4 Day

MEDIA CONTACT

Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org
502-895-8167 EXT 122

Governor Bevin, Mayor Fischer, and Mayor Gorton Proclaim October 4 as TEN-4 Day
Kosair Charities Face It Movement Shares New Resource & Hosts Child Abuse Prevention Trainings

LOUISVILLE, KY (October 4, 2019) – Today, Governor Matt Bevin, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, and Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton proclaimed October 4th as TEN-4 Day in their respective jurisdictions, in honor of the technique to recognize concerning bruising on young children and to emphasize the importance of training adults on recognizing, reporting, and preventing child abuse.

The TEN-4 Bruising Rule is an easy-to-remember tool that says: for children 4 years of age or younger, bruising on the Torso, Ears, or Neck, or any bruising anywhere on a baby not yet pulling up or taking steps, is cause for concern and must be reported to Child Protective Services.

The Kosair Charities® Face It® Movement and Kentucky’s child abuse pediatricians at the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville hosted trainings in honor of TEN-4 Day. Dozens of social workers, health professionals, educators, and other concerned community members in Louisville and Lexington were trained on this important rule, among other child abuse prevention and recognition techniques.

“Child safety is an adult responsibility. That is why the Kosair Charities Face It Movement is committed to equipping adults – no matter their profession or caregiver status – with the tools and knowledge they need to recognize and report abuse and to prevent it from happening in the first place,” said Keith Inman, President of Kosair Charities.

Kentucky has the highest rate in the nation of child victims of substantiated abuse and has double the national rate for child victims under age 1. A recent report from the Department for Community Based Services highlighted that children 4 years and under make up 85 percent of the child abuse fatality and near fatality victims in Kentucky.

“We must confront Kentucky’s stats on child fatalities and our number one ranking in the nation of child victims of abuse and neglect and work to instead become number one in keeping kids safe. All Kentucky adults are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect, which means all adults need to know the signs of child abuse and how to report,” said Dr. Melissa Currie, Medical Director and Chief of the Kosair Charities Division of Pediatric Forensic Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

The Face It Movement and its nearly 100 partners located across the Commonwealth are also committed to ensuring parents and caregivers, along with others in the community, have the tools and knowledge needed to prevent child maltreatment.

“A big component of addressing the high rate of child abuse in Kentucky is prevention-focused. The more supported and connected caregivers feel, the more likely they are to ask for help when they need it. Let’s offer new parents, especially, opportunities to ask for help, practice self-care, and have reassurance that they can do this,” said Dr. Christina Howard, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Forensic Medicine at Kentucky Children’s Hospital.

Vincent James, Chief of Community Building for the Louisville Metro, presented the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Fischer’s office in Louisville. Lawrence Weathers, Chief of Police, presented the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Gorton’s office in Lexington.

“We are grateful to Governor Bevin, Mayor Fischer, and Mayor Gorton for recognizing today as TEN-4 Day. Too many kids across the Commonwealth experience abuse or neglect each year, and this recognition emphasizes a commitment from our leaders to prioritize our most vulnerable Kentuckians,” continued Inman.

View the new video and brochure on the TEN-4 Bruising Rule at www.faceitabuse.org/ten4rule/.

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About the Face It Movement:
The Face It Movement launched in 2013 as an initiative led by Kosair Charities in response to the number of child abuse deaths in the Commonwealth. Face It focuses on a three-pronged approach to addressing child abuse and neglect: promote best practices in child abuse prevention and intervention, build awareness and engage the community, and advocate for effective policies to improve the child welfare system. Learn more at 
faceitabuse.org.