TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The Tallahassee Police Department is using pinwheels and a new car wrap to remind people that April is Child Abuse Awareness Month.
TPD unveiled the wrap on Friday to show support and a pledge to protect the children in the community. They have also lined the outside of the police station with pinwheels.
But, Prevent Child Abuse Florida says this year is different. Children are out of school and not sticking to routines due to the coronavirus pandemic, and they fear a rise in child abuse.
"A lot of the the outlets that young people have had, like their schooling, out of home services, their teachers," said Nydia Ntouda, training and fundraising specialist with Prevent Child Abuse Florida. "Those people who have been supports for them and activities that have been protective factors for them, the don't have that."
"Anytime you deal with a situation when a child was wronged, it's impactful for us," TPD deputy chief Maurice Holmes said. "So it's important for us to stay involved, stay in front, and educate."
Prevent Child Abuse has a hotline. If you suspect abuse, call 800-4-A-CHILD
