Prince William County Plants Pinwheels to Raise Awareness During Child Abuse Prevention Month

Dozens of people gathered at the Sean T. Connaughton Plaza at the McCoart Government Center to plant pinwheels to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month. The blue pinwheels represent the innocence, playfulness and hope of childhood and the promise children hold for the future.

“The pinwheel garden is a powerful visual symbol used during Child [Abuse] Prevention Month to raise awareness and inspire action,” said Department of Social Services Director Phyllis Jennings-Holt. “Pinwheels draw attention to the issue of child abuse and neglect in a gentle, impactful way. The pinwheel invites conversations and encourages the community to reflect on the importance of prevention. In FY24, Prince William County DSS investigated 2,490 reports of allegations of abuse and neglect. And many jurisdictions are holding events like this one today to heighten awareness and advocacy on behalf of children.”

Board of County Supervisors Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson said attending the pinwheel planting showed compassion for children.

“The reason why we are here today is because we do care,” Jefferson said. “It’s because this is an issue that’s personal to us. It’s an issue that has touched us. It’s an issue that we are aware of in our community. Child abuse is something that we’re all bound to help to prevent.”

Jefferson encouraged everyone to do their part in preventing child abuse.

“It’s incumbent on each of us to recognize the signs and do what we can to prevent it. Each of these pinwheels represents a pledge for us to do better. In order to do better, we have to commit,” Jefferson said. “I want all of us to take a moment to reflect on how we can do better, how we can reach out to people who are not here with us today, how we can work hard to eradicate child abuse and child neglect. This is our future.”

Department of Social Services Advisory Board Chair Laurie Wilson said this year’s Prevent Child Abuse America 2025 is “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention.”

“This theme emphasizes the importance of how supporting families helps to prevent child abuse and neglect; and it highlights that when communities invest in families, they help to prevent child abuse and neglect, and they help to create a future where children and families can live safely, securely and lead meaningful lives,” Wilson said. “The challenge to us today as a community … to prevent child abuse and neglect in our community, is to focus on creating programs and strategies that support families and strengthen our communities.”

Department of Social Services Program Manager Theresa Wilson said every child should grow up free of worry.

“These pinwheels are not just symbols. They’re signs of our shared hope … for the future of our children,” she said. “Each pinwheel represents the joy, the innocence of every child, and a vision of the future where every child is safe, cherished and free to grow in a world without fear of abuse and neglect. As we plant these pinwheels today, let them be a symbol of what’s possible when the community comes together to protect every child and give them the future that they deserve.”

Watch the Buzz video for a recap of the event.