The pinwheel is a reminder throughout April to celebrate the lives of children in our community to ensure all children can be safe and thrive.
The pinwheel has become a well-known symbol in the movement to prevent child abuse, particularly as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which takes place every April in the United States. The history of the pinwheel’s use in this context is tied to efforts to raise awareness, promote child well-being, and highlight the importance of preventing abuse and neglect.
In 2008 Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel as the new national symbol for child abuse prevention through Pinwheels for Prevention®.
The blue pinwheel connotes whimsy and childlike notions.
In essence, it has come to serve as the physical embodiment or reminder of the great childhoods we want for all children. Prevent Child Abuse America’s Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign provides a unique opportunity for the community — individuals and organizations alike — to take action by learning more about prevention, supporting child and family friendly policies and services, and volunteering at the local, state, and national levels.
Over the years, the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign has expanded, and pinwheels have become a well-recognized symbol of child abuse prevention not only in the U.S. but also in other countries that are looking to address child maltreatment.
The campaign focuses not just on raising awareness but also on promoting positive actions to support children and families, such as advocating for better child protection policies, supporting family strengthening programs, and encouraging everyone to get involved in creating a safe environment for children.
Locally in Kansas City, the Collective Action For Children also uses the pinwheel as a symbol of our awareness campaigns each April for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.