‘Pinwheels for Prevention’ highlights local effects of child abuse

JANESVILLE, Wis. — Local organizers are calling attention to child abuse in Rock County by placing pinwheels around downtown Janesville.

During the first annual “Pinwheels for Prevention,” eventgoers placed nearly 3,000 pinwheels, the symbol of child abuse prevention, in Janesville, representing the nearly 3,000 reports of child maltreatment in Rock County in 2015.

Of those 3,000 reports, about one-third are investigated, Lance Horozewski, with Rock County Human Services, said.

“(The goal is) really raising awareness of the prevalence of child abuse in Rock County, what everyone can do about it and how they can get involved in these new efforts to prevent child abuse,” Horozewski said.

He said having the pinwheels in a public place encourages people to stop by and learn more about the issue’s prevalence in their community.

Sarah Johnson, the director of Janesville Mobilizing 4 Change, said the event is designed to show people how they can make a difference in a child’s life and prevent abuse.

April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.

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