April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – Let's Make a Difference Together!

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – Let's Make a Difference Together!

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and it’s a time for all of us to come together to support the children in our communities who need our help. This cause is deeply personal to me, and I hope you’ll join me in spreading awareness and taking action.

One of the most powerful ways to get involved is by supporting Pinwheels of Hope, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and preventing child abuse. You can order a Pinwheel of Hope online, which serves as a symbol of our commitment to a brighter, safer future for children. The funds raised through this initiative go directly to supporting programs that help children and families, and each pinwheel purchased makes a significant impact in the lives of those affected by abuse.

Texas, unfortunately, does not have the strongest child abuse laws, and many adults continue to get away with horrific actions. That’s why it’s so important for us to support organizations like the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC), who work tirelessly to support children and families affected by abuse. According to DCAC, the statistics surrounding child abuse are absolutely heartbreaking:

• 73% of sexually abused children will not disclose their abuse for at least a year.
• 45% wait 5 years or longer
• Some never tell at all
• 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
• 95% of DCAC clients know their offender.

These statistics show just how important it is for us to work together to help prevent child abuse. Many children will never report the abuse they’ve endured, and without us, they may never get the help they need.

So, what can we do? Here are some upcoming events and ways you can get involved and support Pinwheels of Hope:

1. Galleria Dallas Pinwheel Mural

• Dates: April 1–30, 2025
• Location: Galleria Dallas, Level 1, near Sephora
• Details: Visit the Galleria Dallas to see a unique pinwheel garden graphic. Capture memorable photos and learn more about DCAC's mission to prevent child abuse.

2. Galleria Dallas Good Market – Benefiting DCAC

• Dates: April 4–5, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM
• Location: Galleria Dallas Outdoor Plaza (Near North Italia)
• Details: Support local artisans and small businesses while contributing to a great cause. Ten percent of sales from participating vendors will be donated to DCAC.

3. National Go Blue Day

• Date: Friday, April 5, 2025
• Details: Show your support for child abuse prevention by wearing blue, decorating your space, and sharing your photos on social media with the hashtags #GoBlue and #WearBlueDay2025.

4. DCAC Night at the Rough Riders Game

• Date: April 18, 2025, at 6 PM
• Location: Riders Field, 7300 Rough Riders Trail, Frisco, TX 75034
• Details: Enjoy a night of baseball while supporting DCAC. Tickets are $15, with $5 from each sale benefiting DCAC. A DCAC table will be available at the game for those interested in purchasing a Pinwheels of Hope yard sign.

5. Pinwheels of Hope Yard Sign Campaign

• Dates: Available online from March 4 to April 25, 2025
• Details: Donate $25 to receive a Pinwheels of Hope yard sign. Displaying this sign is a powerful way to raise awareness. Pickup is available at DCAC, or signs can be delivered within a 25-mile radius.

You'll find one of their signs in my front yard!

6. Coloring Pages: A Creative Way to Raise Awareness

• Available: Starting March 7, 2025
• Details: Local Dallas artists have designed pinwheel-themed coloring pages for all ages. These pages symbolize the healing journey of children at DCAC. Download and share your colored pages on social media to spread awareness.

How You Can Support:

• Order a Pinwheel Yard Sign: Visit the DCAC website to donate and receive your sign. Display it proudly to show your commitment to preventing child abuse.
• Attend Events: Participate in the events listed above to raise awareness and support DCAC's initiatives.
• Share on Social Media: Use your platforms to spread the word. Share event details, coloring pages, and your personal commitment to supporting child abuse prevention.

Together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of children affected by abuse. I hope you’ll join me in supporting these events and initiatives throughout April. For more information and to get involved, visit the DCAC's Pinwheels of Hope page or use the QR code below to donate.

Let’s stand together to protect and heal our children. Your support means the world!