VIROQUA, Wis. – April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, Vernon County Department of Human Services encourages all individuals and organizations to support child abuse and neglect prevention efforts in Wisconsin. We believe that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. Children are the foundation of our society, our community, and our future. When we focus on preventing child abuse and neglect, the results are better childhoods, leading to healthier adults and stronger communities.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and today is Wear Blue Day. The staff at Vernon County are wearing blue to bring awareness to this important month. 
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and today is Wear Blue Day. The staff at Vernon County are wearing blue to bring awareness to this important month.
Unfortunately, child abuse occurs everywhere, even in our small rural county. In 2023, Vernon County received a total of 224 reports of child abuse and/or neglect. Of those, 97 met the state’s criteria to investigate to ensure safety of the children and offer services to the families. Of the 97 reports that were investigated, there were 152 alleged victims and allegations consisted of:
- Forty-four allegations of physical abuse.
- Forty-three allegations of neglect.
- Fifteen allegations of sexual abuse.
- Ten allegations of emotional damage.
- Three allegations of unborn child abuse.
Children do well when their parents do well. Supporting families and ensuring parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need are effective ways to protect children from the risk of child abuse and neglect.
Community members can support one another by:
- Taking time to talk to parents in your neighborhood – get to know them.
- Sharing local resources with families.
- Advocating for legislation and funding which supports family programs within your community.
- Donating new or gently used clothing, toys to programs that support families with children.
- Bringing a meal or groceries to a family with young children.
- Organizing a family fun event – such as a family story night, game, or movie night.
Vernon County Department of Human Services will be hosting a free movie at the Westby Performing Arts Center on April 28. The movie is “Instant Family” and is rated PG-13. Please join us at 3 p.m. for the movie and stay after to go for a family walk on the Appleby trail behind the Westby Elementary School where we will have pinwheels representing the 97 reports that were investigated in 2023.
As part of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, area fourth grade students participated in a T-shirt design contest. “Children Need A Hero, Be One” is the design of the T-shirt and the winner of the contest was Addison from Viroqua Elementary School. Congratulations to Addison!
This month is about bringing awareness to child abuse and preventing it from occurring. We would like to take this opportunity to thank local businesses that are recognizing the month. The Driftless Vibe in Viroqua has a Lit Tea for the month of April called Protect. April’s special drink at Daily Brew Co. in Westby is called The Blue Pinwheel.
To learn more about child abuse prevention and for more ideas of how to become involved, visit:
- Vernon County Department of Human Services: vernoncounty.org
- Five For Families: fiveforefamilies.org
- Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board: preventionboard.wi.gov
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