Child abuse is often called a hidden epidemic, but it’s prevalent and tearing down children and families.

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention month, the Covington County Child Advocacy Center is inviting the whole community to the Court Square on Wednesday at 10 a.m. for a Blue Ribbon Ceremony.

“Our goal through the Blue Ribbon Ceremony will be to bring awareness to our community about the staggering statistics of child abuse victims here in Covington County, and also to honor those victims,” said CAC Director Kaci Perry.

In 2014, there were 275 reports of child abuse in Covington County. Those reports included sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect. Of those, 81 reports were deemed to have sufficient evidence to advance with prosecution or to place children in foster homes.

Some 130 children were affected by those reports.

“Neglect is the largest number of those reports,” said Covington County DHR Director Lesa Syler. “A lot of it has to do with drug activity in this county. Drug abuse leads to child abuse and neglect.”

Perry said Wednesday’s agenda will include members of the CAC, Mayor Earl Johnson with a proclamation and a balloon release honoring child abuse victims.

A pinwheel garden also will be planted on the Square.