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4.01.2025

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month: Protecting Children and Strengthening Families

Young girl and women sitting on a hardwood floor in a living room setting with multiple green plants around, playing with toys, both laughing.

by Nevada Institute for Children’s Research and Policy, Prevent Child Abuse Nevada

Every April, we observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to focus on ensuring the well-being of children and families in our communities. While child abuse prevention is a year-round effort, April serves as a dedicated time to raise awareness and encourage collective action. By working together, we can help create safe, stable, and nurturing environments where all children can thrive.

Why Child Abuse Prevention Matters

Preventing child abuse is not just about intervention—it’s about fostering environments where children feel safe and supported. Studies show that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have long-term effects on mental, emotional, and physical health.

However, positive relationships and strong family support systems can help prevent these negative outcomes. By investing in child abuse prevention, we are laying the foundation for stronger communities and a brighter future for all children. The earlier we start, the greater impact we can have.



Pinwheels for Prevention®: A Symbol of Hope

In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign as a national symbol for child abuse prevention. The pinwheel represents the joy and hope of childhood, serving as a reminder that every child deserves a bright future. 

Local chapters of Prevent Child Abuse America, including Prevent Child Abuse Nevada, promote the Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign every April. By displaying pinwheels, individuals and organizations can show their commitment to protecting children and preventing abuse.

How You Can Get Involved

There are many ways to support child abuse prevention efforts throughout April:

  1. Go Blue on Go Blue Day (April 4, 2025) – Wear blue to show your support and encourage others to do the same. Use #GoBlueDay on social media!
  2. Join the Pinwheels for Prevention® Campaign – Display pinwheels in your home, school, or workplace to spread awareness.
  3. Coloring Contest – Engage children in a fun and educational way by distributing printable pinwheel coloring pages. This activity encourages creativity while providing an opportunity to discuss child safety.
  4. Education and Awareness – Share prevention resources with your community. Schools, workplaces, and organizations can host events, discussions, and outreach efforts to spread awareness.

Learn More

To access resources and learn how you can support child abuse prevention efforts, visit the Prevent Child Abuse Nevada website: https://www.preventchildabusenevada.org/pinwheels-for-prevention/

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First 5 Nevada, a program of The Children's Cabinet, is supported by the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Grant Number 90TP0099, awarded to the Nevada Department of Education, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Department of Education, the Office of Child Care, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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