Prevent Child Abuse Iowa is observing its 50th year this year, and with April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month the non-profit is sharing information to aid the state’s children. Blue pinwheels can be spotted across the state to signify the month and remind people of the issue. Child abuse may include neglect, physical abuse, having adverse childhood experiences, and more. According to Prevent Child Abuse America, in 2018 approximately 60%, or 412,000, of all substantiated cases of child maltreatment were victims of child neglect. And according to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2021, 1,820 children died of abuse and neglect in the United States.

Prevention is key in supporting children so they can thrive. The CDC highlights safety, stability, and nurturing environments as the pillars of prevention.

Iowa offers a 24-hour hotline for people to report concerns of child or dependent adult abuse at 1-800-362-2178 and if there is imminent danger call 911.