BY DONNA BLYTHE
Family Services Supervisor

COURTLAND
The month of April marks the recognition of Child Abuse Awareness across the country. In your community you will see many different ways that we are making citizens aware of how to prevent child abuse and neglect.

On April 1, Southampton County Department of Social Services staff was out in the front of their office complex planting blue pinwheels in front of the office complex sign, as well as hanging a banner stating “There is No Excuse for Child Abuse”.

Why Pinwheels you ask?

Well, the pinwheel represents Prevent Child Abuse America’s efforts to change the way our nation thinks about prevention, focusing on community activities and public policies that prioritize prevention right from the start to make sure child abuse and neglect never occur. Since 2008, over 100,000 pinwheels have been displayed in Virginia.

Another symbol you will find that represents child abuse awareness is the blue ribbon. You will find magnets on cars, lapel pins, and simple ribbons used for the blue ribbon campaign.

On April 9, Southampton DSS and Joyner Gray Yale Ruritan Club will be sponsoring our 5th Annual Golf Tournament to raise funds for Child Abuse and Neglect awareness programs.

On April 23, you can join us at Riverdale Elementary School for the Child Abuse Awareness Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will have activities for all ages. Come out and enjoy the day.

In Southampton County, we received a total of 74 referrals for child abuse and/or neglect for the reporting period between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015. In our Pinwheel Garden, we have planted a total of 74 pinwheels to represent each of those referrals.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect you can call your local Department of Social Services or the Hotline at 1-800-552-7096.