Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in North Carolina
GRAHAM, N.C. (April 1, 2026) – Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Carolina (CACNC), a statewide non-profit focused on child abuse investigation, treatment, prosecution and prevention, announced today it is calling on communities across the state to take action this April in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. This statewide campaign encourages community members to “Be the Hero,” focusing on awareness, education and prevention.
Each year, thousands of children in North Carolina are impacted by abuse and neglect. More than 546,000 children are confirmed victims of maltreatment or neglect annually in the United States and one in seven children is a victim of sexual abuse. Through prevention education, community partnerships, and coordinated support services, CACNC and local Children’s Advocacy Centers work to protect children and help families heal. In 2025 alone, CACNC programs reached more than 125,000 individuals with prevention education and provided critical support services to children experiencing abuse.
“Child abuse prevention starts with awareness and action,” said Deana Joy, Chief Executive Officer of CACNC. “We ask each NC citizen to seek out the educational resources available to caregivers, parents and child advocates to get to know the Children’s Advocacy Centers in NC that can provide a coordinated, evidence-based response for children experiencing abuse.”
Throughout April, CACNC is partnering with local organizations, businesses and advocates to engage communities:
- Shine a Light on Abuse: Landmarks and homes across North Carolina will glow blue to raise awareness for child abuse prevention.
- Carolina Hurricanes CAC Night (April 7): Join us for CAC night at the Carolina Hurricanes game.
- Wear Blue Day (April 10): Individuals and organizations are encouraged to wear blue in support of prevention efforts.
- CAC Day (April 28): Recognized statewide, this day honors the work of Children’s Advocacy Centers and encourages North Carolinians to “Be the Hero” for children in need.
Children’s Advocacy Centers provide a child-focused response to abuse, bringing together professionals from law enforcement, healthcare, social services, prosecution, victim advocates, and forensic interviewers to ensure children receive the support they need in a safe, supportive environment. All services are free of charge for victims and their supportive caregivers.
Community members can get involved this April by learning the signs of abuse, supporting local CACs, and helping raise awareness about prevention. Take the steps below to learn more and “Be the Hero” for children:
Ways to Help
Silence hides violence, and the most impactful way to help is to speak up on behalf of victims of child abuse. Take the steps below to learn more and “Be the Hero” for children:
- Learn about the signs and symptoms of child abuse.
- Connect with your local CAC and/or CACNC.
- Help raise awareness about the mandatory reporting law.
- Educate your network about child abuse prevention and CACs.
- Request a CAC tour and bring along colleagues.
- Advocate for the CAC in your community or help get one in place.
- Participate in trainings about the ever-evolving needs of child maltreatment victims.
- Speak to legislators regarding child maltreatment and Crime Victims Funding.
To learn more about Child Abuse Prevention Month activities or to find a local Children’s Advocacy Center, visit cacnc.org. Contact Ashley Shoemaker at 336-947-6799 for interview requests, local CAC media tours, or photo opportunities.
About Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Carolina (CACNC)
CACNC, which was incorporated in 1997 and is recognized as a 501(c)3, provides leadership and support for the growing movement of Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs). North Carolina now has more than 50 CACs that provide support, resources, and hope for victims of child abuse and their supportive caregivers. CACs are child-friendly centers that foster hope and facilitate healing for traumatized child victims of physical and sexual abuse, child-trafficking, neglect and exposure to drugs and violence. CACNC is committed to developing, training, and sustaining high-quality CACs and Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs). For more information, visit cacnc.org.
Media Contact
Ashley Shoemaker
CACNC
336-947-6799
