LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – April is child abuse prevention month, aimed at raising awareness for child abuse and neglect. Later this month the Children Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass will be hosting a pinwheel planting event to support the children they see every year. You may have se en blue pinwheels at different facilities including the state capitol and while they may be pretty to look it, they represent a much darker reality. “We see on average about 1,100 kids and families each year,” said Taylor Ballinger, the development director of the Children Advocacy Center. According to Ballinger, one in ten children will experience abuse before they turn 18. “Kentucky, over the past five years, has been near the top nationwide in terms of rates if child abuse and maltreatment.” Ballinger adds that for the most part child sexual abuse is something that thrives in darkness and makes the alleged aggressors want to keep it under wraps. “It’s so important to shine a light on this issue, because there are thousands of kids who are in the darkness.” Ballinger says children who are seen at the center receive several different treatments, such as a medical exam or family advocacy. “This is obviously very heavy work, but also this is really joyful work. Because we firmly believe that the abuse that a child has experienced does not need to define that kids’ life.” According to the CDC, about 90% of abuse is done by someone known and trusted by the kid and their family. Some signs to look out for are changes in behavior, unexplained injuries, fear of going home or lack of personal care. Ballinger says this month their hope is to bring awareness to the community about the issue and signs. If anyone suspects a child is being abused they should call the child abuse hotline any time. Categories: Featured, Local News, News Tags: blue pinwheels, child abuse, child abuse and neglect, child abuse prevention, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Children Advocacy Center, Pinwheels for Prevention ...read more read less