by John Reid

Nearly one in four children will experience child abuse or neglect in their lives.

To bring awareness to the issue, April is designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since its inception in 1983, a declaration throughout the country to give children a safe, stable, and nurturing environment, free from abuse or neglect. On Tuesday at the McCoart Administration Building in Woodbridge, the Board of County Supervisors, along with the Department of Social Services, held a ‘Pinwheels for Prevention Garden’ celebration.

The Pinwheels for Prevention Project encourages individuals and organizations to join together and raise public awareness of the importance of preventing child abuse. Many who joined the festivities wore blue to show support. Pinwheels are known as a symbolization of a happy childhood.

Chair-At-Large Deshundra Jefferson welcomed everyone who came out on the blustery day and spoke on the necessity to bring awareness. “Sadly,” she addressed the crowd, “the reality is many children in our own communities suffer abuse and neglect. As leaders, it is our duty to stand up and take action to protect our children for the future.”

“By acknowledging April as Child Abuse Prevention Month,” she continued, “we have a critical opportunity to raise awareness about this issue, educate our community, and provide resources and support for families in need.”

After the declaration, guests were invited to plant pinwheels on the gardens. To find out more about Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway website.