April 2, 2025
April is Child Abuse 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.
Unfortunately, child abuse occurs everywhere, even in our small rural county. In 2024,
Vernon County received a total of 209 reports of child abuse and/or neglect. Of those,
86 met the state’s criteria to investigate to ensure safety of the children and offer
services to the families. Of the 86 reports that were investigated, there were 155 alleged
victims and allegations consisted of:
- 31 allegations of physical abuse
- 49 allegations of neglect
- 16 allegations of sexual abuse
- 9 allegations of emotional damage
- 0 allegations of unborn child abuse
There will be 86 pinwheels located in front of the Erlandson Building during the month of
April to represent the 86 reports that were received and investigated during 2024. The
blue pinwheel is a symbol of the healthy, happy, and full childhoods all children deserve.
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.
As part of Child Abuse Prevention Month area 4th grade students participated in a t-shirt
design contest. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to
get better. It’s not.” was the design of the t-shirt and the winner of the contest was
Brielle from Kickapoo Elementary School. Congratulations to Brielle!
Vernon County Department of Human Services asks community members to wear blue
on April 4th to support the importance of Child Abuse Prevention. 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: vernoncountywi.gov
- Five For Families: fiveforefamilies.org
- Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board: preventionboard.wi.gov
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