The city of Dunkirk honored Child Abuse Prevention/Strengthening Families Month on Tuesday with a Pinwheels for Prevention event.

During the month, emphasis is placed on the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz issued a proclamation during the event declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the city. She stated that “Child Abuse Prevention Month serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the well-being of all children and to support families in building, strong, healthy foundations.”

Wdowiasz continued that “the pinwheel has become the national symbol of child, abuse prevention representing the hope, joy, and carefree childhood every young person should experience.” The mayor commented that “community members, service providers, educators, advocates, and local leaders work tirelessly throughout the year to strengthen families, promote resilience, and ensure that children have the support they need to thrive.”

Wdowiasz added, “Preventing child abuse requires the commitment of an entire community — through awareness, education, early intervention, and the creation of environments where our children feel valued, protected, and heard.”