MARYVILLE, TN – New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center has launched "Be Their Voice", a public awareness campaign designed to educate Blount County residents about child abuse prevention and encourage adults to take action when they suspect a child is being harmed.

Made possible through a $100,000 gift from local philanthropist Amy Buckner Chowdhry, the campaign urges the community to “Know the signs. Make the call. Be the hope.” The message underscores that one in 10 children in Blount County will experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday and that in 90% of cases, the child knows their abuser.

"Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and heard,” said Ashley Fontenot, CEO of New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center. “Be Their Voice is a call to action for every adult to learn the signs of abuse, trust their instincts and report suspected abuse. Awareness is the first step toward protection, and together we can build a community where every child has the chance to grow up safe.”

The campaign’s website, be-their-voice.org, provides information about recognizing behavioral, physical, emotional and environmental warning signs of abuse and neglect. It also offers clear instructions for how to report concerns through the Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline at 877-237-0004 or online at the state Department of Children’s Services website. In Tennessee, every adult is legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reports can be made anonymously and do not require proof—only reasonable suspicion.

Developed in partnership with the creative agency Visual Voice, Be Their Voice includes digital advertising, social media content, billboards, radio and television spots, and community outreach events. A radio message airing throughout East Tennessee reminds listeners that many children suffer in silence and that one phone call can make a difference.

Community members can visit the website to learn more, download educational resources, share campaign materials on social media or support New Hope’s prevention and response efforts through donations.

"Child abuse prevention is everyone’s responsibility,” Fontenot said. “When adults know how to recognize and respond to abuse, we create a network of safety that gives children a chance to heal and thrive.”

For more information about New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center, please visit blountkids.org.