Matt Pipkin and “The Stitch”

April might be Child Abuse Prevention month, but it's a message that absolutely needs to be spread 365 days a year.  Treasure Valley native and survivor, Matt Pipkin is working to do that with his new campaign, "The Stitch."

Abused by a family friend at age six, Matt waited years before telling someone his story.  He's now developed a "symbol" to share with other victims encouraging them to tell their stories and spread awareness.  The symbol is an orange "Stitch" that you can sew onto your pants, backpack, shoes, hat, etc.  The zig-zag thread represent a voice's frequency wave.

Matt and his Speak Your Silence campaign has started selling "Stitch" kits around the Treasure Valley and online.  They run $20 and the money raised goes directly to counseling for children who've experienced sexual abuse.

Matt and "The Stitch" were recently featured as Maggie O'Mara's "7's Hero" on KTVB.  Check out his story below.