It Takes A Community to Prevent Abuse

Child Abuse Prevention Month Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County officials help plant 3,741 pinwheels for each of the victims of child abuse in Salt Lake County in 2021

stronger families, stronger communities

Thursday wrapped up another April and the month-long campaign to bring awareness to child abuse in Utah by Strengthening Utah Families and Keeping Home Safe.

Joined by nearly a dozen local media outlets, Salt Lake County officials including County Mayor Jenny Wilson, DA Sim Gill, Sheriff Rosie Riviera, Council Representative Laurie Stringham, and others were in attendance to help plant Blue Pinwheels in support of Family Strengthening Month in Utah.

Officials and representatives noted that it’s always a somber occasion which brings everyone together outside of the County Administration Building every April. Salt Lake County confirmed 3,741 cases of child abuse or neglect, up from 3,616 the year prior.

The Blue Pinwheel invites us to identify and remember these children by more than just their trauma and abuse, but also by their hopes, dreams, and playfulness.

Last year, 9,062 children were the victims of abuse or neglect in Utah, and 3,741 of those were right here in Salt Lake County. Each pinwheel planted represents one child who was a confirmed victim of child abuse in Salt Lake County in 2021.

Child abuse knows no racial, religious, socio-economic, or geographic boundaries. Child abuse is preventable and we, as a community, can come together and be mindful of the needs of the families around us and commit to doing everything to strengthen families and prevent child abuse.

Keep these silent children in your hearts and minds this month, and every month, as we work to strengthen families every month in Utah.