Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to take stock and celebrate “blue ribbon” individuals, organizations, and communities who have done so much to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to look forward to what can still be achieved.
The first National Child Abuse Prevention Month took place in April 1983, but child abuse is still a critical social issue. In 2023, the City and County of San Francisco had one child reported with abuse every 1.8 hours, and the Bay Area had one child reported every 9.1 minutes.
Why is the blue pinwheel used to mark Child Abuse Prevention Month?
Introduced by Prevent Child Abuse America in 2008, this symbol captures the essence of the carefree, joyful experiences that should characterize childhood. Join the campaign by putting up pinwheels inside or outside your home or workplace.
As well as the detrimental social and emotional impact of this intervention, this has a devastating economic cost. In 2023, California communities incurred a total economic burden of $16.5 billion for the lifetime costs of survivors of child abuse and neglect. To put this figure into context, approximately 1.37 million children could be sent to preschool for the same amount.
Later this month we will be publishing our landmark Economics of Child Abuse report which measures these statistics annually across all the counties of California. This will help us see a picture of how the situation is changing for our communities.
In the meantime, the first step to making lasting change is awareness. Join us in taking on the challenge of raising awareness during April. There are some simple things you can do this month to be part of the movement, like attending an event, wearing blue, reading resources, and sharing on social media.
Attend an event
There’s a whole calendar of events taking place across the Bay Area, virtually and in person, targeted at families, professionals and people interested in prevention. Attend an event and share your reflections with others. Event Calendar
Wearing blue, pinwheels and ribbons
Take a photo of you wearing blue clothing or ribbons or plant pinwheels in your yard to symbolize your commitment to keeping children safe. Here’s a handy kit to make your own pinwheel
If you post on social media, use #WearBlue4Kids and #CAPMonth
Share insights
Read a book or watch a documentary on child abuse prevention and share your insights with your network. If you follow Safe & Sound on social media, we’ll be sharing some informative posts about child abuse prevention strategies and resources – digest these and pass them on. Let’s spread awareness together!
Reach out
Connect with local community organizations and offer your support. Every effort counts in protecting children. If you are based in San Francisco, look up your local organization and see what support they need, whether that’s time, supplies or something else.
Why do we use blue ribbons to mark Child Abuse Prevention?
In 1989, the Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse had its early beginnings as a Virginia grandmother’s tribute to her grandson who died as a result of abuse. She tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her car as a way to remember him and to alert her community to the tragedy of child abuse. The Blue Ribbon Campaign has since expanded across the country, and many wear blue ribbons each April in memory of those who have died as a result of child abuse.
So if you haven’t already been wearing your blue ribbon this month, now is the time to use it to show your commitment to prevention.
Creative challenge
Express your thoughts and feelings about child abuse prevention through art, poetry, or music. Share your creations on social media to inspire others and tag organizations dedicated to child abuse prevention.
Fundraiser
Organize a fundraiser to support child abuse prevention efforts in your community. Let’s rally together for this important cause! Safe & Sound has set an ambitious fundraising goal for this month – support us in achieving that goal so that we can continue to support children and families to thrive.
Family engagement
Get to know neighbors or new families at your child’s school and help others to do the same. Encourage families to have open and honest conversations about child abuse prevention and safety with their children. Provide resources and activities for caregivers to teach children about personal boundaries, consent, and safe adults to talk to. You can find some of these resources on Safe & Sound’s website.
Reflection
Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned and advocate for children in your community. Your voice matters.
Together, let’s create a safer and brighter future for every child. Let’s make April a month of awareness and action with Safe & Sound!