(MURFREESBORO) – “National Child Abuse Prevention Month is more than just raising awareness about the reality of child maltreatment. It's about taking action to eliminate it. Every April, the Child Advocacy Center hosts events to celebrate Child Abuse Prevention month.” announced Community Education Coordinator, Presley Hosford.

Wear Blue! The color blue is a symbol of child abuse prevention and serves as a reminder that it is an adult’s responsibility to protect the children in our community.

Blue Pinwheels: Blue pinwheels are a symbol of child abuse prevention. Display them at your home, church, or business to show your support of child victims.

Darkness to Light Child Abuse Prevention Training! The training empowers adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Every adult in Tennessee is a mandatory reporter and needs to know how to report abuse. It is a community effort to keep our children safe, and it starts with YOU. The Child Advocacy Center provides Darkness to Light training free of charge.

Cannon Runs for Children 5K! Attend the event on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Arts Center of Cannon County, 1424 John Bragg Highway, Woodbury, TN 37190. Registration starts at 6:45 a.m., opening ceremony at 7:30 a.m., and the run/walk begins at 8:00 a.m. Registration is $25 for adults, $15 seniors (65+), $10 for students ages 13-18, $5 for students under age 13. Scholarships are available for children and youth. For more information, view the Cannon Runs event page at cacrutherford.org/events or call the Cannon Child Advocacy Center at (615) 563-9915.

Hometown Heroes Walk for Children! The event will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Murfreesboro Civic Plaza. Complimentary shuttles will run from Oakland’s Park (427 Roberts Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130) to Civic Plaza from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Registration will start at 10:45 a.m., opening ceremony at 11:30 a.m., the walk will begin at 12:00 noon, and conclude with a complimentary picnic lunch at Oakland’s Park Pavilion. Sponsorship opportunities and t-shirts are available at cacrutherford.org/events.

Each Child Advocacy Center works as a team with Department of Children’s Services, law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s Office to respond to child abuse cases, investigate the crime, aggressively prosecute offenders, help children heal, and help families rebuild their shattered lives. In the last 24 years, the Child Advocacy Centers and the Child Protective Investigative Teams have positively impacted the lives of 43,289 individuals in Rutherford and Cannon Counties.

Who Do I Call to Schedule a Training for my Organization? Rutherford County:  Presley Hosford at (615) 867-9000 or phosford@cacrutherford.org Cannon County:  Julie Williams at (615) 563-9915 or jwilliams@cannoncac.org