Pinwheels Line Courthouse Lawn for Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention

SAN ANGELO, TX – In an effort to increase prevention in the fight against child abuse, the Children’s Advocacy Center hosted its annual Pinwheel Ceremony at the courthouse steps yesterday afternoon. At the event, groups such as CASA, SAPD, Bikers Against Child Abuse and many members of the community joined together to “plant” pinwheels in front of the courthouse as a way of honoring all victims of heinous crimes and to remind everyone about this issue.

April is designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and guest speaker Chief Frank Carter reminded everyone in attendance that child abuse is not “a social services problem or a police problem; it's a community problem.”

In 2016 Hope Houses across the state reported 1,426 cases of abuse, which shows how prevalent this issue is in the community. During his speech, Chief Carter cited that every day approximately five children die in the United States due to child abuse. The worst aspect of many of these cases is that the abuse comes from the caretakers of these children, the people who are supposed to be keeping them safe, protecting and loving them.

"Prevention begins with awareness and awareness leads to action,” Carter said.

Furthermore, prevention is the key to ensure that children in the future are not forced to deal with abuse, whether it be physical or psychological. By educating both children and adults, these cycles can be stopped and abusers can be prosecuted for their crimes.

“Everyone has an equally important role in supporting children’s health and safety,” Carter said.

Chief Carter went on to ask the community to get rid of the misconception that child abuse does not happen in this community because the pinwheels represent the kids who have suffered. He went on to remind that abuse doesn't discriminate by gender or role. It is important for adults in every part of the community to “teach children they have a right to be safe, and to give them the tools to recognize and report abuse. They are here to be heard.”

He concluded that the kids before him are the future for this community and that they deserve the right to lead healthy lives free of abuse.

“If we don't invest in the health and safety of our children, then we are destined as a community to fail,” Chief Carter finalized.

Heather Ward, with the Children’s Advocacy Center, explained that while the organization does reach out to abuse victims, it also offers other services for families across the area. By collaborating with Child Protective Services and SAPD, CAC staff are able to review a family’s situation and find the best course of action. Sometimes, families are in need of other services such as counseling, and the center is available to help with any issues that come up.

With two locations in the area, the CAC is working hard to increase its efforts and staff are now searching for a third location in order to better serve the community.

“Our Children’s Advocacy Center is really working with all of our partners to make sure children receive every effort and every service they can,” Ward said.

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In attendance at the ceremony were several organizations from all over the city including Hope House, Family Enrichment Services, CPS, Judge Gary Banks, D.A. John Best, River Crest Hospital, First Baptist Church Child Development, Trinity Lutheran School, Alta Loma Elementary and several members of BACA.

BACA is formed by a group of dedicated riders who help victims of child abuse feel safer as they undergo trial proceedings and any emotional hardships they may face. By bonding with the victims, they provide emotional support and help empower those whose voices have been taken away. Members are available to provide assistance while attending court hearings or provide protection if the perpetrator still has access of some kind to the child. They have also set up a fund that allows children who can't afford therapy receive the help they need.

Visit the Children’s Advocacy Center to learn more about the services and support members can provide to any family and child in need.

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