April is Child Abuse Prevention Month!

In 2009 in New Jersey, there were more than 9,000 confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect. Of these, approximately 925 (10.3%) were cases of child sexual abuse — more than two cases every day of the year. Child abuse and neglect costs the United States alone $104 billion each year, and those are only the quantifiable issues (protective services, mental health services, foster care, etc.); it does not even begin to account for the emotional impact.

All children in New Jersey deserve a healthy, happy and safe childhood. This April, it's your turn to make a difference for the kids in your neighborhood!

Child Abuse Prevention Month is a statewide campaign to raise awareness about supporting families and preventing child abuse. Nationwide, April has also been proclaimed National Child Abuse Prevention Month by President Barack Obama. Each April, New Jersey makes a promise to prevention by distributing pinwheels and hosting educational events throughout the state. Pinwheels are a symbol of a happy, carefree childhood. Doesn't every child deserve one?

Everyone has a role to play in preventing child abuse and supporting families. Get involved by planting pinwheel gardens in a public place, wearing pinwheel lapel pins, displaying car and storefront window clings, hosting events for families, and signing a promise to prevention. Businesses, schools, community-based organizations, civic groups, educators, volunteers, decision-makers and families participate.

Prevent Child Abuse–New Jersey offers you the tools to be an active part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. On this page, you will find product samples, free materials to download, tips sheets, and more.

It's your turn to make a difference for a child!