SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Congress recognized the first Child Abuse Prevention Week from June 6 to 12, 1982, and shortly after in 1983, April was designated as National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. CAAPM provides an opportunity for the base community to share resources and learn what the risk factors are for child abuse throughout April.
Prevent Child Abuse America first introduced the pinwheel as the national symbol for child abuse prevention in 2008. Throughout April, Airmen and their families at Spangdahlem Air Base may notice blue pinwheels placed around the community.
“Representing the lightheartedness and whimsy of childhood, pinwheels evoke a positive reaction for many people and symbolize the happy and healthy childhoods that every child deserves,” said Brandee Sherrer, Integrated Resilience Office Prevention specialist. “As they reflect in the sun, we are reminded of the bright future we hope to create for every child and family. As they spin, we remind ourselves of the role we each play in providing a loving and supportive environment for the children in our lives and in our community.”
Visit Saber Point Bulletin or click the links below for more resources, and follow the Spangdahlem Integrated Resilience Office on Facebook to get involved throughout the month of April.
Spangdahlem Integrated Resilience Office Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068277590636
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/prevention.html
Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/family-life/child-abuse-prevention-month/
Prevent Child Abuse America: https://www.zerotothree.org/our-work/militaryfamilies/
HealthyChildren.org: https://healthychildren.org/
Air Force Resilience: https://www.resilience.af.mil