More than 600,000 children are abused each year, according to the National Children’s Alliance. During the month of April, Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month is meant to spread knowledge about the various ways children can experience abuse and what we can all do to keep them safe. Makayla Moore, Victim Services Advocate for Grapevine Police, leads the department in its public support for preventative measures and awareness. She explained why the pinwheel is the symbol for child abuse awareness, and what it should remind people of as it twirls in the wind.
“The Pinwheels for Prevention Program started in 2008 as a way to bring awareness to child abuse with a different perspective to change the narrative. The pinwheels serve as a reminder of the ‘whimsy’ that should exist in a child’s life, that every child deserves to have a homelife or childhood free from harm and abuse,” said Moore.
If you are over the age of 18 and suspect or witness any form of child abuse or poor mental welfare, you are required by law to make a report of your observations. Moore stated that just because your own children may not be involved, you still have a duty to do what’s right by speaking up. “If you see something or hear something, you must report it. Don’t just think ‘Meh. Not my kid, not my responsibility.’ You might be the only one that sees it, so you need to help protect kids,” she said.
To recognize the notable tell-tale signs that a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect, you must first recognize that not all physical abuse presents itself as it does in movies, and also that not all forms of abuse can be seen with the human eye. Moore encourages adults to not only be good observers when it comes to children, but to be good listeners, too.
“Everyone should be aware of what to look for, whether that’s that a child starts to behave withdrawn with anxiety, depression, or behaviors outside of the norm for what that child normally acts. If they start either acting out sexually or are very ‘don’t look at me, don’t touch me,’ these can be signs.”
Grapevine Police will have a display of blue pinwheels outside the Public Safety Building in April, in recognition of child victims and the vow to spread awareness and protect children.