The West Virginia University Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s Children on Campus office encourages participation in activities for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“Preventing child abuse is a shared responsibility for all community members,” said Cortney Simmons, educational outreach specialist in the Division’s Equity Assurance Office. “Together, we can raise awareness and lower the risk factors for the mistreatment of children.”
April 1 and 2, Wear Blue
Wear blue to support safe, healthy, and happy childhoods. Help unite our community during child abuse prevention month to keep all children safe from abuse and neglect. Use #WearBlueforWVKids and #WVUSafeKids on your favorite social media platform.
April 5, Make pinwheels
Make your very own origami pinwheel. In 2008 Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the "Pinwheels for Prevention" campaign. The pinwheel represents childlike whimsy and lightheartedness. The vision is a world where all children grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed in supportive families and communities. Post a picture of your pinwheel and use #WVUSafeKids on your favorite social media platform. Need help making your pinwheel? Check out this YouTube tutorial.
April 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Virtual training: 10 Things You Need to Know About Abuse, Online Safety, and Mandatory Reporting
Craig Corkrean, chief of police in Granville, WV, will discuss the SHIELD (See. Hear. Intervene. Empower. Learn. Defend.) Task Force, a statewide coalition of law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, faith communities, professionals and volunteers that works to educate the public, empower victims, stop predators, and support survivors. Register for the virtual training.
April 7, Color a Pinwheel for Awareness
A great activity for all ages. Make your own freehand or download this coloring sheet.
Post a picture of your pinwheel and use #WVUSafeKids on your favorite social media platform.
April 14 from 2 to 4 p.m., Virtual training: Virtual Mandated Reporter
Susan Harris, Executive Director of CASA for Children, Inc., will present this workshop which explores how to identify and report suspected abuse and neglect, and examines ways to build protective factors that prevent child abuse and neglect.
Register for the virtual training.
April 21, Children on Campus (COC) Monthly Meeting
You are welcome to join the Children on Campus virtual monthly meeting. Monthly Meetings are an opportunity for youth program directors, coordinators, and others to connect, collaborate, and network with each other. Email childrenoncampus@mail.wvu.edu if you would like to attend.
April 28 from noon to 1 p.m., Lunch and Learn: Safe Touch
Child Abuse Prevention Education Presenters Akeya Carter-Bozman and Cortney Simmons will outline Safe Touch, a program that teaches children they have the right to keep their private parts private. The only time someone would need to touch a child’s private parts is to keep a child clean and healthy, like at the doctor’s office. Children are told they can always ask questions about a touch if they aren’t sure because touches are never a secret. Students know that if someone tries to get them to break any safety rule, including a body safety rule, it isn’t their fault and they can find one of their safety net adults right away. Register for Lunch and Learn: Safe Touch.