Pinwheels are a Child Abuse Prevention Month sign planted outside the high school. PJ photo by Sara Holthouse
An explosion of blue pinwheels outside Jamestown High School and Tracy Plaza marks the start of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The kickoff ceremony for Child Abuse Prevention Month was held Monday afternoon in the city as city officials and high school students gathered to plant pinwheels in front of the municipal building and high school.
Mayor Kim Ecklund kicked off the event at the municipal building by thanking everyone for coming and reading a proclamation. Jason Schmidt, the county’s district attorney, then spoke to those in attendance.
“Children are the most vulnerable group and need the most protection,” Schmidt said. “If you see something, say something. We can’t intervene if we don’t know about it.”
Schmidt said what he called “a dirty little secret” is that child abuse happens in the home 98% of the time. He added that it can take everything for someone to face a loved one and tell someone that the abuse has happened, and while they might not say anything, there are a few telltale signs, such as changing the way they dress or to eat.
Jamestown High School students and others plant pinwheels outside Jamestown High School. PJ photo by Sara Holthouse
In addition, Schmidt said that he had his own view of the abuse that could not happen to him or to his family or to someone who seems to be very strong and sure of themselves. He said he’s had people come to court who he thought might not be child abuse victims who were.
“This could happen to anybody,” Schmidt said. “We’re all in this together. There’s only so much we can do, but together as a group if we speak up, we can help prevent child abuse.”
Carmelo Hernandez from the Department of Mental Hygiene said he is happy that April is child abuse month, but added that it should be every year. He gave examples from his childhood and his time in Iraq, saying that it takes a country and the help of young people to prevent child abuse.
“Every one of you is worth it,” Hernandez said. “If you see something, say something. You have cheerleaders behind you who want to see you succeed.”
Safe Harbor Coordinator Saraden White discussed child trafficking and that the event started April as Child Abuse Prevention Month a little early due to the upcoming spring break and to have the pinwheels planted around before visitors come for the eclipse on April 8. discussed how communities can play a major role in preventing child abuse and helping parents learn and feel supported.
The group in attendance walks together from the municipal building to Jamestown High School to plant more pinwheels. PJ photo by Sara Holthouse
“These are all preventative factors to ensure that children have safe environments,” White said. “Prevention is key to reducing child abuse. As we plant these pinwheels today, we plant seeds of hope.”
Two Jamestown Public Schools students also addressed the crowd as part of their Justice For All class, discussing how children aren’t the only ones who need support, but parents too. The crowd then went together to plant their pinwheels in the square outside the municipal building, followed by walking as a group to Jamestown High School to plant outside on the front lawn.
Members attending the kickoff ceremony for Child Abuse Prevention Month plant pinwheels in the plaza outside the city’s municipal building. Photo of PJ by Sara Holthouse
