Print this pageFor Immediate Release
April 2, 1999
Problem of child abuse highlighted by educational work of Jehovah’s Witnesses
NEW YORK—This month, as part of their ongoing educational program, Jehovah’s Witnesses in the United States will be distributing a series of articles on the subject of children in crisis. The April 8, 1999, issue of the international newsmagazine Awake! will feature a discussion on the worldwide problem of abuse and exploitation of children.
The elimination of child abuse is a formidable task, according to many individuals who work in the field of childcare. They look at the grim statistics that point to the alarming increases in the number of cases of sexual, physical and mental abuse against children. The devastating effect of such abuse on society and the effort that is needed to stop the exploitation of children are well noted by the United Nations Children’s Fund. In its report, The State of the World’s Children—1995, the concern is expressed that “unless the investment in children is made, all of humanity’s most fundamental long-term problems will remain fundamental long-term problems.”
“For many decades, Jehovah’s Witnesses have made available information that impacts the lives of people in their communities,” said James N. Pellechia, director of Office of Public Information for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Articles such as these on children not only educate our neighbors but help us see what we need to do as parents to make sure that our children are provided with a stable home environment. We do this work because we care.”
The magazine will be available in more than 80 languages, and a special effort will be made to distribute the articles to groups and organizations that work with issues involving children.
Contact: J. R. Brown, telephone (718) 560-5600