CALGARY- The Prime Minister came back home on Thursday, to announce the renaming of a child advocacy centre in honour of a prominent advocate for victims of sexual abuse.
The Calgary Child Advocacy Centre will now be called the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre (CAC), bearing the name of the former hockey player who has been outspoken about the cause after being victimized himself.
“Our government will continue to stand up for victims of crime and their families,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper. “Child abuse is a horrible crime that can haunt its victims their whole lives. We are proud to support the work of the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre to help abused children and their families recover, heal and grow stronger.”
The CAC is a facility that works to ensure abuse cases are managed in the best interest of children, offering teams of health professionals working together. They also partner with the Calgary Police Service, family services, Alberta Health Services and Alberta Justice. CEO Bonnie Johnston said Kennedy’s views align with those of the centre.
“Sheldon’s courage, tenacity and commitment on the issue of child abuse, inspires us to continually do better for the children and families we serve every day.”
Kennedy has been an advocate for victims of sexual abuse, and a national leader in the prevention of abuse, bullying and harassment ever since going public with his own story.
“With our ongoing, collective efforts and this incredible centre, we now have the opportunity to create best practices around child abuse and take this to a whole new level—not only for the city of Calgary, but for the rest of Canada,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy appeared before a U.S. Senate panel in December, urging lawmakers to empower anyone who suspects a child is being victimized.
Comments