STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) – April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Valley Children’s Advocacy Center is using pinwheels to raise awareness about child sex abuse and its lasting effects.
The organization serves more than 300 children annually, offering support and advocacy for survivors of abuse in the Staunton, Augusta, and Waynesboro areas and beyond the Shenandoah Valley in areas like Rockbridge County, Buena Vista, and Lexington.
On the front lawn of the Valley CAC are pinwheels, each representing a child they have served, serving as a visual reminder of the impact of abuse in the community. The pinwheel has been a national symbol of child abuse prevention since 2008, representing the innocence and joy of childhood.
“So even though we serve 300 kids a year, which is a big number for Staunton, Augusta, Waynesboro, and the jurisdictions we serve, research shows that 65% of kids never report child sexual abuse,” said Charlé McCauley, associate director of the Valley CAC. “So we are only seeing a small percentage of what’s happening.”
According to the CDC, at least one in four girls and one in 20 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse, and about 90% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone known and trusted by the child or child’s family members. The organization hopes the pinwheels will spark conversations and encourage more survivors to come forward.
In addition to the pinwheel gardens, Valley CAC is partnering with local businesses and organizations for initiatives such as Notes of Hope, which provides messages of encouragement to survivors.
“Each pinwheel represents a survivor story that has come through our doors,” McCauley said. “It’s our way to honor them and spread awareness. We hope that when people see these pinwheels, they start conversations, break down stigma, and inspire hope for those who haven’t disclosed their abuse yet.”
The Valley CAC also encourages the community to get involved by inviting them to speak at organizations, join the cause by planting pinwheel gardens, or donate to support their mission. For more information, visit their website.
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