FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kerry Ford, 412.831.8995
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April Is Child Abuse Prevention Month
PITTSBURGH, PA (April 12, 2022)…During Child Abuse Prevention Month, two local non-profits dedicated to preventing domestic violence are debuting a partnership to provide state-of-the-art technology to help potential child abuse and domestic violence victims stay safe.
The Watchful Shepherd USA and Alina’s Light, Inc. are now providing a fast way for those in jeopardy for domestic or child abuse to immediately summon emergency support. Created by invisaWear, the jewelry and keychain pieces allow potential victims to discreetly activate ADT technology and send a call for help.
“The charm containing the technology is small, stylish and available in many accessories including a necklace, bracelet, athletic band or keychain. The keychain can be clipped to the outside of a bag or purse for easy access. The necklaces and bracelets can also be worn with any major brand of jewelry,” explained Tracy Walnoha, Executive Director of Watchful Shepherd USA.
When double-pressed, invisaWear sends a text message to up to five pre-selected emergency contacts. The text notifies the emergency contacts that the user is requesting help and contains a link to the user’s location. If the optional 911 feature is enabled, trained ADT agents will also notify 911 dispatchers.
“Now people in jeopardy don’t need to worry about finding a phone, opening an app or making a call,” Walnoha said. “A simple double click of this inconspicuous, wearable accessory will make sure help is on the way quickly.”
The Watchful Shepherd USA encourages efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect across the country. Based in western PA, the non-profit organization has traditionally offered in-home technology for at-risk children that lets them summon local law enforcement. The addition of wearable tech now allows the charity to help at-risk kids to safely resume regular activities outside of the home.
“We’re fighting hard for a world where love doesn’t hurt,” said Yan Sheykhet, president of Alina’s Light, Inc. and father of domestic murder victim Alina Sheykhet, who was a student at the University of Pittsburgh. “These invisaWear accessories provide a trusted method for victims to send a discreet, reliable SOS.”
Alina’s Light, Inc. honors the memory of Alina Sheykhet by raising awareness of domestic violence and promoting education about the topic through outreach, scholarships and donations. The charity has underwritten costs for providing invisaWear technology to more than two dozen victims of child abuse and domestic violence through Children and Youth Services offices, domestic violence agencies and hospital emergency rooms.
“Because we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, we hope invisaWear products will give users some much-needed peace of mind,” said Rajia Abdelaziz.
About Child Abuse Prevention Month
Child Abuse Prevention month was established in the early 1980s when Congress identified the disturbingly high rate of child abuse and recognized the need for additional efforts to prevent child abuse. In 1983, April was proclaimed the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since then, advocates around the country have conducted child abuse awareness and prevention activities every April.
About Watchful Shepherd USA
Watchful Shepherd is a national not-for-profit 501c3 that was founded in 1993. The family abuse prevention program enables children and victims to protect themselves from abuse in the home. Watchful Shepherd USA is funded by individual donors, fundraising events, corporate donations and foundation grants. For more information go to https://www.watchful.org.
