EG Mother-son dance to help prevent child abuse

For the past several years, fathers (or other important male figures) and their daughters have been celebrating a night out on the town and dancing the night away in Eagle Grove, creating precious memories that will last a lifetime. It all started as a way to raise funds for the Eagle Grove cheerleading squads.

Now, mothers (or other significant females) and their sons will also have that same chance - but this time, they will be raising money to help children who are victims of abuse. Angela Wesselink of Parent Connection Program and Prevent Child Abuse Iowa Council said they decided to change things up a little this year in their fundraising efforts and sponsor the dance instead of the Zombie Run. While the run was a very popular event, Wesselink felt it was time to try something new, and what better way than to have it be something that promotes healthy relationships between a child and a trusted adult!

The desire for a motherson dance had been expressed over the years throughout the general public, so they figured why not give it a try. “I would have loved to have had this with my boys when they were younger,” said Wesselink, recalling how she taught her three sons how to dance in the kitchen and about being a gentleman. The dance will be held Nov. 2, 2018 in the Eagle Grove High School gymnasium. School-aged boys K-12 are invited to bring their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, neighbor, family friend, etc. and dance the night away from 7 - 9 p.m. There is a minimal cost, with all proceeds going to help prevent local child abuse in Hamilton, Humboldt, and Wright Counties. No pre-registration is needed - just show up at the door and enjoy the music, the company, and light refreshments.

According to Wesselink, Iowa ranks #4 in the nation in child abuse, especially sexual abuse. “It’s people you know,” said Wesselink. “You just don’t know they are being abused.” Statistics show that one in five girls and one in 10 boys will be assaulted by the time they reach their 18th birthday. “What’s most important is to be aware that it happens,” said Wesselink. She went on to say that while those statistics are frightening, that doesn’t mean they can’t be changed for the better. It starts with awareness and a desire to change the culture. When we tell a child that someone “likes them” if they are picking on them or pulling their hair, it can send the wrong message. Teach them instead that they deserve respect and if someone is making them feel uncomfortable to tell someone.

For more information, please contact Wesselink at awesselink@co.wright.ia.us or call 515-293-0652. Dances will also be held later this winter in Hamilton and Humboldt Counties to help raise money.