ABOUT CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan issued the 1st presidential proclamation identifying the month of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Every President since then has continued to issue proclamations to help aid in raising awareness and prevention efforts.

Child Abuse in all its forms is universal.  It can be found in all cultures, societies, and nationalities.  It occurs across all demographic and economic groups.  However, most importantly, child abuse is preventable.

Child Abuse Prevention Month Symbols

Blue-Ribbons

In the Spring of 1989, a Chesapeake, Virginia, grandmother began what was to become the Blue-Ribbon Campaign. It was a testimonial to her three-year-old grandson, who was murdered by his mother's abusive boyfriend. Bonnie Finney was the grandmother whose misgivings about the way her grandchildren were being treated were confirmed in the most tragic way. She spoke to a Richmond newspaper reporter about her feelings.

"One day I was just thinking about all the bruises I had seen on my grandchildren. I just decided I was going to tie a blue ribbon on my van. Why blue? I intend never to forget the battered, bruised bodies of my grandchildren. Blue serves as a constant reminder to me to fight for protection for our children."

Pinwheels

The Pinwheel represents childhood innocence, unseen energy, wish fulfillment, and transformation.  Some cultures believe the pinwheel is an instrument that turns obstacles into opportunities.