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StepUp- October Child Abuse Prevention Campaign

October is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario. It is a time to remember that we are ALL responsible for the safety, happiness and health of children in our community.

This year Dilico Anishinabek Family Care has partnered with Children’s Aid Society of The District of Thunder Bay in StepUp—a campaign aimed at engaging the entire community in child abuse prevention.

Throughout the month of October there are many ways residents, organizations and schools can StepUp!

  • Residents and businesses can StepUp by displaying a purple ribbon. The purple ribbon serves as a reminder that the problem of child abuse and neglect continues in the community and has crippling effects on children. Ribbons can be worn, put on vehicles, tied around trees or given to friends, colleagues and customers.
  • Parents can StepUp by engaging in safe parent-child activities throughout the month of October. Click on the image below to download an October calendar that lists a fun activity you can do with your child every day of the month.

StepUp Calendar

  • Businesses can StepUp by hosting our community information display for a day during the month of October, by distributing purple ribbons to employees and customers, by encouraging employees to wear purple and by organizing child-friendly activities.
  • Elementary schools and students can StepUp by participating in our Grocery Bag Project. Children can decorate a paper shopping bag with images and messages related to their vision of a safe and happy child and family. The grocery bags will later be distributed at participating grocery stores in Thunder Bay and the District.


Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and Children’s Aid Society of Thunder Bay & District also remind the community that it is important to StepUp after the month of October on behalf of local children.

We can all StepUp throughout the year and take responsibility for the safety of our community’s children in many ways including:

  • Learning to recognize the signs of child abuse;
  • Reporting suspected child abuse and neglect;
  • Ensuring that children have safe and healthy environments in which to live and play;
  • Educating ourselves with information on how to prevent child abuse and how to get help when its needed by visiting: www.useyourvoice.ca.