Written on the wind: Pinwheel event brings attention to child abuse prevention services

Nearly 400 pinwheels were planted in the lawn in front of the legislative building Tuesday for Pinwheels for Prevention, a reminder to Nevadans to help prevent child abuse.

Carson City's Advocates to End Domestic Violence worked with the Ron Wood Family Resource Center and the state's Division of Child & Family Services to arrange the colorful pinwheels in a heart shape on the lawn. They will remain in place for the coming week.

"This campaign is designated to raise awareness of the need for reporting suspected child abuse," said Advocates spokeswoman Traci Trenoweth.

"Each pinwheel represents a case where a social services group has been called in order to assist a family that had hope of getting help this year, and possibly prevented child abuse," she said.

"It is hoped that folks in our community will learn that reporting child abuse is an act of kindness that can save a life. The cycle of abuse can be stopped, and abusive or neglectful families can get help," Trenoweth said.

Tara Swartz, family advocate supervisor at the Ron Wood center, said the pinwheels send an important message.

"They are to raise awareness that our children don't need to suffer, that there are resources - agencies, families, people who want to help and be involved," Swartz said.

"Our society puts a stigma on people who ask for help, and that's unfortunate, and hopefully, that will change," she said.

Tracy White, who brought the Pinwheels for Prevention program to Carson City when she was working with Advocates, is now family development coordinator for the Ron Wood center.

"We're now in our fourth year with the pinwheels program," White said. "We want to educate the community on the importance of being aware of what's going on around them with the kids they see. We can give people resources, people who are struggling with their parental needs."

FOR HELP:

• To contact Advocates to End Domestic Violence, call 883-7654.

• To contact the Ron Wood Family Resource Center, call 884-2269.

• To contact the state Division of Child & Family Services, call 684-4400.

• For more information about Prevent Child Abuse America's "Pinwheels for Prevention" campaign, go to www.pinwheelsforprevention.org/.