Corbin business displays pinwheels for child abuse awareness

CORBIN — Corbin Pediatric Associates, P.S.C. has about a hundred blue pinwheels spinning in the wind in front of its office this month. The pinwheels are eye-catching and are meant to raise awareness about child abuse.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, recognizing the importance of families and communities to work together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and promotes the social and emotional well-being of children and families, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, childwelfare.gov.

The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), as amended by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum:

— "Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation"; or

— "An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1 in 7 children have experienced abuse or neglect in the last year. Children living in poverty experience abuse and neglect at five times a higher rater than those in families with higher socio-economic status.

Children who are abused and neglected may suffer immediate physical injuries such as cuts, bruises, or broken bones, as well as emotional and psychological problems, such as impaired socio-emotional skills or anxiety, according to the CDC.

Pinwheels are the national symbol of child abuse prevention and a visible reminder of the happy and healthy childhood all children deserve. The nationwide Pinwheels for Prevention campaign has seen more than 4 million pinwheels distributed throughout the nation since 2008, with Kentucky distributing over 400,000 of those. Kentucky's total pinwheel distribution ranks second in the nation.

Learn about ways in which you can help prevent child abuse and raise awareness at Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky's website, www.pcaky.org. If a child who may be being abused needs to talk to someone, call 1-800-CHILDREN (244-5373).