Pinwheels

Why are you seeing blue pinwheels all over the place at The Venues this month?

Pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse awareness. Planting a pinwheel represents the importance of all children experiencing a safe and healthy childhood. Raising awareness can save children.

According to the Child Advocacy Center of Springfield, Greene County has the highest rate of reported child abuse cases in the state of Missouri, but it’s something that most people aren’t comfortable talking about. 

There are four main types of abuse that we should all be aware of:

1 - Physical abuse - which is non-accidental physical injury suffered by a child and can range from bruising to fractures to worse.

2 - Neglect - which is the lack of attention to physical, educational, emotional, or medical needs of a child by their caregiver. 

3 - Sexual abuse - this includes all forms of sexual contact or exposure with a minor by a parent or caregiver.

4 - Emotional abuse - this is a pattern of behaviors that impairs a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, or rejection as well as withholding love.

Let’s all join together to make Springfield a safer place to grow up.