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The Family Tree to Launch First Marketing Effort To Raise Awareness of Child Abuse

Maryland Non-Profit Focuses on Kids Talking about Abuse

 Baltimore, MD, April 12, 2006 - The Family Tree, Maryland's leading  nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, today launched its first-ever advertising and marketing effort to draw attention to the harm child abuse inflicts on children and society. The emotional and hard hitting campaign consists of print, broadcast, outdoor advertising, and grocery market bags throughout April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

"Every 37 minutes a child is abused in the State of Maryland," said Patricia K. Cronin, executive director of The Family Tree. "The harm has a ripple effect throughout society, from physical and mental injury inflicted on the child, to poor school performance, drug abuse and a resulting loss of productivity. Without intervention, this cycle is passed on from generation to generation," Cronin noted.

Using creative services donated by Hunt Valley, MD firm Robert Rytter & Associates, the campaign focuses on individual acts of abuse, from molestation and beatings to abusive language and exposure to illegal activity such as drug and handgun use. The campaign emphasizes the need for intervention such as education and support provided by The Family Tree's 24-hour StressLine, parenting classes, children's programs and other services.  

In addition to seeking free air time through the Public Service Announcement channel, The Family Tree's Cronin said the organization is seeking sponsorships from interested parties to continue the campaign. For further information, contact The Family Tree at 410-889-2300 or log on to www.familytreemd.org.