April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. A local nonprofit organization has been encouraging municipal leadership across the state to commit to the safety and well-being of children within their local communities. Part of that commitment includes raising awareness. 

“Sometimes, we get it stuck in our heads that [child abuse] is not preventable, but I’m here to tell you that it is,” said Prevention and Policy Advocate for Prevent Child Abuse Utah Deondra Brown when talking to the Cottonwood Heights City Council March 3. 

“The rate at which there is child abuse is very high. It’s a sad truth that we need to face,” said Cottonwood Heights Councilmember Ellen Birrell. “I am in full support of building awareness… Children are our foundation of our society and the leaders of tomorrow.” 

April 10 is Wear Blue Day in support and recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Community members can show their support for the prevention of child abuse by wearing blue or sporting blue and silver pinwheels (or ribbons) symbolizing the bright future children deserve. 

“Preventing abuse takes effort from all of us. It includes parents, teachers, faith leaders, law enforcement, business leaders, neighbors and local leaders coming together to work side by side to protect our kiddos,” Brown said. 

Cottonwood Heights Police Chief Robby Russo suggested ordering blue and silver T-shirts for the city’s officers to wear under their uniforms for the entire month of April. Brown suggested the possibility of running a Safety Fair in coordination to help children understand what the police and fire departments do within the community.

Councilmember Shawn Newell also suggested working with the Health in the Heights coalition to expand the voice for child abuse prevention within the community. 

Brown and additional staff from Prevent Child Abuse Utah have asked for municipal leaderships to pass proclamations recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention month within their communities. 

“This is a statement of shared commitment and responsibility that we all come together to keep children safe,” Brown said. “You affirm that children in Cottonwood Heights deserve safe, stable and nurturing environments and you stand alongside families to make that a real possibility.”

Child Abuse Prevention month has been recognized within the city for the past six years, starting in 2020 under former Mayor Michael Peterson. 

“The Cottonwood Heights City Council…calls upon all citizens to renew their commitment to be educated on the impact of child abuse and to join together in working for its prevention,” reads the annual proclamation. “It is desirable for all of the residents of the city to become more aware of child abuse and its prevention.”  

Prevent Child Abuse Utah asks for help from all community members to raise awareness and encourage safe neighborhoods in their efforts toward preventing child abuse and neglect. Their annual fundraising event including a silent auction and dinner will be April 24 at 6 p.m. The Spring Party for Prevention will be held at Murray Park (246 E. Myrtle Ave.). 

To learn more about Prevent Child Abuse Utah, visit their website: www.pcautah.org. 

“I truly believe that when we protect the kids in our circles we strengthen the entire fabric of our community,” Brown said.