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PRESS RELEASE FROM LEGISLATOR KATE M. BROWNING |
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MEDIA RELEASE APRIL 21, 2009 |
CONTACT:
JOSHUA SLAUGHTER |
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Browning Sponsors Two Events to Raise Funds and Awareness Mastic, NY- Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Shirley) is sponsoring two events to raise funds and expand awareness to combat a rise in child abuse cases across Long Island. The 2nd Annual Child Abuse Awareness Walk will be held this Saturday, April 25 at 9 a.m. and the 2nd Annual “Evelynntopia” benefit concert is coming to Yaphank on Sunday, July 12. Both events are being held at Suffolk County’s Southaven Park. This will be the second year that Legislator Browning is sponsoring these events along with Anthony Biondo, whose granddaughter Evelynn was assaulted by her father Joshua Cohen on June 24 2007. Evelynn Biondo is a victim of shaken baby syndrome, and as a result of her injuries she is blind, partially paralyzed, and at 24 months old Evelynn is neurologically just 7 weeks old. Proceeds from these events will help pay for Evelynn's astronomical medical expenses and help educate individuals about the dangers of shaken baby syndrome and the need to put a stop to child abuse. A record number of child abuse and neglect cases were reported on Long Island and across New York State last year. Child Protective Services conducted 8 percent more probes in Suffolk County in 2008, up to 9,538 from 8,847 in 2007. Almost two years after Evelynn Biondo was abused, this epidemic continues to take the lives of innocent children. On April 1, 2009 another baby in Middle Island, Madeline Mendolia, died from the injuries allegedly inflicted by her mother’s boyfriend, Howard Brooks. Howard Brooks is awaiting trial. Joshua Cohen, Evelynn’s abuser, is being sentenced this week and faces up to 25 years in prison. Anthony Biondo has made it his mission to make sure vulnerable infants do not face the same fate as his granddaughter. For the past two years Anthony has been organizing events across Long Island to help raise awareness of child abuse, and Legislator Browning has joined his fight. Mr. Biondo has been pushing for passage of “Evelynn’s Law” in Albany, which would set a mandatory jail sentence of 25 years, with 5 years probation for an offender like Joshua Cohen, and a mandatory 35 years, with 8 years probation, in cases in which the victim is killed. “We need to do more to protect our most vulnerable victims, our children,” stated Browning. “By raising awareness and educating our residents, we can fight to end these shameful crimes. The passage of “Evelynn’s Law” would send a strong message to adults that this type of abuse will not be tolerated any longer.” The rise in child abuse cases may be directly related to the economic problems families are facing. As more people lose their jobs and cash-strapped child protective agencies take on increased caseloads, many families are being driven to the brink with nowhere to turn. Legislator Browning urges parents who may be experiencing increased stress to reach out for help. One organization, Response of Suffolk County, Inc., has hotlines available to provide assistance. Legislator Browning recently gave Response Inc. a grant to help provide these much needed services. “People need to know that there is help available out there,” concluded Browning. “Times are tough, but before something terrible happens we need to reach out where help is waiting. We can prevent a lot of these terrible cases where innocent children become the scapegoat.” Those seeking help can call Response Inc. at 631-751-7500. To get involved with preventing child abuse, interested individuals can attend these worth while events and help raise money and awareness. To register for the Child Abuse Awareness Walk this Saturday, go to www.evelynnmariebiondo.com. You are also welcome to show up at Southaven Park at 8:30 a.m. to register. If you need to report child abuse, you can call the New York State Hotline at 1-800-342-3720. |
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