Approximately 550,000 children were abused or neglected in 2022 and 1,990 children died from abuse and neglect, according to the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office. These are just a couple of the harrowing facts those working to eliminate child abuse face each day.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Law enforcement agencies and nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to prevent child abuse.
One such organization is Blue Sky Bridge which is a nonprofit that serves “both the children who enter the abuse investigation process and those children who have not yet found a way to tell their story,” according to the nonprofit’s website.
Blue Sky Bridge offers therapy for children who have experienced trauma, victim advocacy for children and their non-offending caregivers and a child-friendly place for children to be forensically interviewed about their abuse.
The nonprofit recognized Child Abuse Prevention Month by placing pinwheels throughout Boulder County. Project Pinwheel is a collaboration of agencies throughout the county that work together to prevent and reduce child sexual assault.
“No one person will put an end to child abuse. That’s why the outstanding collaboration here in Boulder County is so important. We are fortunate to work alongside such amazing non-profit organizations and law enforcement agencies dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. And, when child abuse does occur, we work together to make sure that there are consequences for those responsible.”
To report suspected child abuse or neglect, community members should call a local law enforcement agency or the Colorado Child Abuse Hotline at 1-844-264-5437.
