In observance of National Child Abuse Prevention month in April, the Wilton Police Department and the Human Services Council’s Child Advocacy Center–Children’s Connection are partnering to plant a pinwheel garden on Friday, April 5 at 11 a.m. at police headquarters (240 Danbury Rd.).
Pinwheel gardens are used nationwide during the month of April to bring heightened awareness to child abuse prevention and symbolize the joy of childhood.
Organizers say, “Child abuse and neglect happen every day in every neighborhood–no community is immune. Each day five children die unnecessarily from child abuse related causes. Parental drug and alcohol abuse are major child abuse risk factors.”
Friday, April 5 is also “Wear Blue for Child Abuse Day,” so attendees will be dressed in blue to show their support.
Anyone unable to join the event is invited to wear blue and post photos on social media with hashtags #wearblue, #childabuseprevention and #humanservicesct.
For information on how to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect, visit the CT Department of Children and Families website or call 800.842.2288.
Children’s Connection, a national accredited Children’s Advocacy Center, works with public and private resources to identify, substantiate, and treat cases of sexual and severe physical abuse, and provides community education on the topic.
“We are really excited to be able to raise awareness about this important issue with our partners at Wilton Police Department, who we have the honor of working with every day,” said Kari Pesavento, director of Children’s Connection.
For more information about Children’s Connection or the work the organization does surrounding child abuse and neglect, contact Pesavento via email, online or by calling 203.354.1961.