Central Florida recognizes National Child Abuse Prevention Month

A trend that can be prevented; Montgomery Co. Prosecutor office launches child safety campaigns These pinwheels are just one of many efforts to raise awareness around child abuse.

By Brittany Caldwell

ORLANDO, Fla. — April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

State and county leaders talked to parents in Orange County on Thursday about preventing child abuse.

Panelists met parents at the Orlando Science Center and answered questions about what they will do to address abuse triggers.

One person asked Mayor Jerry Demings how county officials would prevent school shootings.

Read: Child academic success, mental health impacted by screen time as infants, according to new study

He said the county would fund community prevention and intervention programs for students and those with mental health problems.

The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County also recognizes the national month.

Read: Amid 407 Day celebrations, hints of future downtown Orlando plans

Pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention.

Florida has a statewide campaign called Pinwheels for Prevention.

Read: Boys, ages 12 & 17, accused of killing 3 Marion County teens; $10K reward offered for 1 at large

The DOH-Brevard said child abuse could be abandonment, physical or emotional abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation. These can have lasting impacts on the child’s development.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.