The Norwich Police Department displays blue and rainbow pinwheels to help spread awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month. (Photo by Catherine Sasso)

Chenango County – The month of April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Chenango Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is planting pinwheel gardens to raise awareness.

The CAC, Sidney Federal Credit Union & Visions Federal Credit Union are sponsoring the Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign during the month of April.

Every year, the CAC displays pinwheel gardens at a variety of locations in the area. So far this year the CAC has pinwheel gardens on display at the Norwich Police Department, the Department of Social Services, Gilligan’s in Sherburne, and in front of their own office. The blue pinwheels represent children facing abuse while the rainbow pin wheels represent the CAC.

Joanne Smith, A licensed therapist for the Chenango Child Advocacy Center, stated that in light of the pandemic more stress may cause a rise in child abuse cases.

“One of things we do know is during pandemics and difficult global situations child abuse will increase during the stress. Children are home and being home schooled and parents aren’t working. It increases stress and it also increases the chance of child abuse,” said Smith.