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Sean D. Reyes
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Pledge to Prevent Child Abuse

April 7, 2020

Regardless of the circumstances of their birth, every child deserves to be loved, cared for, and kept safe. Tragically, many children each year fall victim to abuse and neglect, robbing them of the innocence of childhood and exposing them to pervasive, detrimental effects that can have a lifelong impact on a child’s physical, psychological, and behavioral health and well-being.

This month, we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month. As schools close and families and communities adjust to a changing environment as a result of COVID-19, stressors are more prevalent as unemployment rates rise and children are urged to remain at home. We implore families to practice kindness, patience, and understanding. Raising a child is of paramount importance and, at times, can be the most challenging. We celebrate the courage it takes to be a parent or caregiver and commend the effort that that title brings.

The Utah Attorney General’s Office prioritizes protecting children from all forms of abuse. We are proud to support and work alongside our community partners to protect children and provide resources to families across Utah. The Utah Children’s Justice Center (CJC) Program, administered by the Attorney General’s Office, provides child-focused support and safe environments in which representatives from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical services, and victim advocacy work together to conduct interviews and make team decisions about investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse cases. For more information, visit the CJC website.

This month, take the time to familiarize yourself with the signs of child neglect and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, including sudden changes in behavior and untreated physical or medical issues. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services outlines the definitions, signs, and symptoms of child abuse and neglect here. Educate yourself and your family on these coronavirus resources and tips for parents, children, and others as we all work together to endure the struggles that the pandemic brings to our communities. If you suspect child abuse call 1-855-323-3237.

For more information, visit the following resources:

Pinwheels for Prevention: Raising Awareness about Child Abuse

The Utah Attorney General’s office is privileged to work in conjunction with the Utah Children’s Justice Centers and the partner organizations listed below to work towards the eradication of child abuse. The AG is committed to protecting children by prosecuting those who would seek to do them harm and provide necessary resources for healing and restoration. For more information about the work of the Utah Children’s Justice Centers, please visit www.utahcjc.org.

INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTHCARE NEWS

For Release:
April 15, 2019

Contact:
Jennifer Toomer-Cook: 801-662-6590 or 801-631-3484
Jennifer.Toomer-Cook@imail.org

More than 1,700 Pinwheels Planted by Child Abuse Prevention Advocates to Remember, Honor Children Who Died as a Result of Child Abuse

As part of the “Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention” project, 1,720 pinwheels – one for each child who died nationwide as a result of child abuse in 2017 – were planted on Primary Children’s lawn on Monday as a reminder of the gravity of child abuse and a symbol of hope for a safer tomorrow for children.

Blue and silver pinwheels were planted by Primary Children’s Hospital, Family Support Centers, Prevent Child Abuse Utah, the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, and the Utah Attorney General’s Office and Children’s Justice Centers.

Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention serve as a reminder that everyone has a responsibility to help protect children in the community through education, support to children and families in need, and by reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. Last year, more than 10,600 Utah children were victims of child abuse. 

If you see or suspect child abuse, call 1-855-323-3237 or local law enforcement.

Learn more about preventing child abuse at howtopreventabuse.org, onewithcourage.org, PCAUtah.org, and primarychildrens.org/safeandhealthyfamilies.