Every child deserves a safe, happy childhood. You help make that possible.
Prevention + Protection = #HopeinAction
Prevention Starts With All Of Us
Child abuse is preventable. Research shows that strong communities and caring adults are the most powerful protection for children.
Strengthen Your “Village”
Reach out to a caregiver in your circle. Offer to watch their kids for an hour, bring over a meal, or simply check in. Building these social connections is a direct act of
prevention.
Talk to Children About Body Safety
Teach children that their body belongs to them and it’s always okay to tell a trusted adult if something feels wrong.
Stay Engaged & Observant
Know the children in your life. Create an environment where kids feel safe speaking up.
Educate Yourself
Learn the signs of abuse and how to report, understand what CACs do, and share resources with others.
Get Involved this April (and beyond!)
CACs and communities across our state are working hard to get everyone’s attention in April and bring heightened awareness year-round to the important role we all play in protecting children.
Why the Pinwheel?
The blue pinwheel has become a powerful emblem of child abuse prevention. Symbolizing the whimsy and lightheartedness of childhood, the resilience that children have, and hope for the future: hope for a world where all children grow up safe, happy, and healthy. Pinwheel garden plantings are happening all over the state throughout the month.
Explore opportunities below and help us thank those who help shine a light on child abuse. Be sure to check back regularly as we update this list.
Statewide:
- April 1: Kickoff to April, co-hosted by Positive Childhood Alliance NC & NC DHHS, will be held at Chavis Park (505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Raleigh, NC) from 11AM to 1PM. Food and drinks will be provided (while supplies last), along with local community resources for the family and children’s activities.
- April 7: CACNC will be at the Lenovo Center when the Carolina Hurricanes take on the Boston Bruins
- April 10: Wear Blue Day
- April 28: CAC Day!
Local CAC Events
- March 31: Butterfly House CAC – Pinwheel Planting & Walk Away Child Abuse
- April 1:
- Dove House CAC – Tie-a-Tree-Blue
- Catawba CAC – Pinwheel Planting (noon)
- Harnett County CAC – Open House (1pm)
- KARE House CAC – Community Gathering (4pm)
- Jo Ann’s Place CAC – Open House (4pm)
- April 2: Burke County CAC – Community Event (noon)
- April 3: The Carousel Center – April Kickoff (3pm)
- April 6: Carteret County CAC – Pinwheels & Parade (9am)
- April 7: Moore County CAC – Pinwheel Planting (10am)
- April 10: The Carousel Center – Pinwheels & Proclamation (10am)
- April 11: Terrie Hess CAC – Bands, Brews & BBQ (2pm)
- April 15: Terrie Hess CAC – Prevention Brunch (10am)
- April 17:
- Butterfly House CAC – Prevention Breakfast (8am)
- Lighthouse CAC – 10th Birthday Party (2pm)
- SAFEchild CAC – Gala (6:30pm)
- April 18:
- Aspire CAC – Spring Fest (11am)
- Robin’s Nest CAC – Open House (11am)
- SAFEchild CAC – Community Baby Shower (noon)
- April 22: CAC of the Blue Ridge – Open House (11:30am)
- April 23:
- Ashe County CAC – Open House (3pm)
- Our House Tri-County CAC – Pinwheels & Walk (3:30pm)
- Haven of Hope – Steps Toward Prevention (5:30pm)
- April 24: Jeff Gordon CAC – Red Carpet & Movie Premier (5pm)
We have partnered with communities across our state to turn North Carolina blue for child abuse awareness. We’ll be posting these on social media throughout the month of April. If you see one in your community, please snap a selfie, tag @CACNC, and use #TurnNCBlueforChildAbuse or #ShineALightonChildAbuse.
A special shout out to these confirmed partners and landmarks (check back often as our list grows!):
- 5th St, Greenville
- American Tobacco Campus, Durham
- Carolina Core FC Admin Offices, High Point
- Cell Tower, Greenville
- City Hall, Greenville
- Clock Tower, Franklin
- Courthouse, Greenville
- Davie County Courthouse, Mocksville
- Downtown, Lenoir
- Downtown, Sparta
- Maynard Children’s Hospital, Greenville
- Morrisville PD, Morrisville
- Old County Courthouse, Morganton
- Rocky Mount Mills, Rocky Mount
- The Truliant Tower, Winston-Salem
- Town Commons Bridge, Greenville
- Town Gazebo, Franklin
- Town of Havelock, Havelock
- Union County DSS, Monroe
- Wait Chapel, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem
- Waxhaw Water Tower, Waxhaw
- Whirligig Park, Wilson
- WRAL Fountain, Raleigh
Media Resources
To get involved or inquire about Child Abuse Prevention Month activities in specific communities or to learn more about a local CAC, contact ashoemaker@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.
