In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, throughout April, the Town of North Haven will host its 12th annual display of Pinwheels for Prevention on the front lawn of Memorial Town Hall, 18 Church St.

In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel as the national symbol for child abuse prevention through Pinwheels for Prevention. Over the years, the pinwheel has taken off and is a popular symbol of the great childhoods we want for all children.

Child Abuse Prevention Month raises awareness of the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect right from the start, and of “stopping the hurt before it happens.”

Since 2008 more than 5 million pinwheels have been distributed nationwide. The pinwheels help to express that through a collective community commitment, we all can play a role to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Pinwheel displays have a multi-pronged purpose: To present a fun way of thinking about prevention; To stress that family health is crucial to community and economic development, and that investing in our most vulnerable citizens benefits all of us; To encourage everyone to become educated on the issues and then to take action in support of a world free of child maltreatment

Child abuse and neglect are preventable. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call the DCF Careline at 1-800-842-2288. The Careline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by full-time, highly-skilled professionals.

For more information, contact Carla Picard in Community Services, 203-239-5321 ext. 504.