Monroe County is planting pinwheels to symbolize the fight against child abuse, raising awareness ahead of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
MONROE, Mich. — There is only a week to go until Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is in April.
But in Monroe County, they’re getting a head start, as little pinwheels will make a big statement.
“Every year we want to plant pinwheels around the county and honestly around the whole country,” said Christi Rogers, the executive director of the Child Advocacy Network in Monroe County.
Rogers talked on Tuesday morning as a pinwheel garden was planted in front of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in Monroe.
Members of the Child Advocacy Network had to use the pointy end of scissors to cut a path into the almost frozen ground.
The pinwheels are a visual reminder of fighting back against child abuse and neglect.
“That is to symbolize how children are supposed to grow up in a fun, nourishing environment, and every child deserves that,” Rogers said. “So when you think of a pinwheel, you think of fun and playing, right? That’s the point of a pinwheel.”
Signs have also been put up in front of the Monroe County Courthouse and out front of the Opportunity Center.
Less than a mile away, there was a ceremony Monday where more pinwheels sprouted up and are flying in the wind.
It’s all to raise awareness of physical or sexual abuse, grooming, or neglect.
“We actually have not seen a big increase over the last years, but we always just, as I said, we focus on those prevention efforts because we know that with every investigation we have, whether there’s abuse or neglect going on, we still want families to have what they need,” said Deb Gambino, the child welfare program manager.
If you see any possible signs of child abuse, they want you to take action.
In Michigan, call Children’s Protective Services at 855-444-3911.
“You would really hate to have that on your shoulders, to find out that you were right and you didn’t say anything because you weren’t for sure,” Rogers said. “I always tell people when I do any kind of trainings that I offer, my job is to make you be comfortable being uncomfortable because it is uncomfortable.”
Wear Blue Day is April 10 in Michigan. You’re asked to wear your favorite blue outfit or blue shirt to show support for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Wear Blue Day is April 8 in Lucas County.
To report child abuse or neglect in Toledo, call Lucas County Children Services at 419-213-CARE.
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