Submitted photo Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas is pictured this week with CASA of Chautauqua officials for the organization’s Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign. An event was held this week as part of “Child Abuse Prevention Month.”

Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas proclaimed the month of April as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in the city with an official announcement held at Dunkirk City Hall this week.

“This is happening in communities across our country, but it is also happening right here in our own community and this is something we need to bring awareness to,” Rosas said. “All children deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. All children have a right to a loving home where they can build friendships, learn and grow. This isn’t just important, it’s a fundamental obligation of our society to protect the rights and needs of our children during their most vulnerable time in their lives.”

Rosas said he and the city support Court Appointed Special Advocates of Chautauqua and its Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign initiative to bring awareness to child neglect. Invited special guest speaker, Leanna Luka-Conley of the Department of Health and Human Services, spoke on the importance of community members protecting children and preventing abuse.

“Children deserve great childhoods, and we all have a role to play in preventing abuse and neglect,” Luka-Conley said.

After the proclamation presentation, community and city staff participated in sticking pinwheels in the lawn of Dunkirk City Hall.