April 2025 - You might notice blue pinwheels placed outside of businesses, homes, or even our office while out and about during the month of April! That’s because the pinwheel symbolizes Child Abuse Prevention which we are working to raise awareness for during the month of April.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of communities working together to help families thrive and prevent child maltreatment. During the month of April and throughout the year, communities are encouraged to increase awareness about child and family well-being and work together to implement effective strategies that support families and prevent child abuse and neglect.

WHY CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MATTERS:

Child abuse comes in many forms – physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. It knows no boundaries of age, race, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. Every child deserves to grow up in a nurturing and supportive environment, free from harm. Yet, the reality is that millions of children around the world suffer from abuse and neglect each year.

• More than 600,000 children are abused in the U.S. each year. (Source: National Child Alliance)

• At least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States. (Source: CDC)

The impacts of child abuse can be devastating and long-lasting. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events or experiences that occur during childhood and can have lasting impacts on an individual's health, well-being, and life outcomes. The more ACEs a person experiences, the higher risk for a range of health problems into adulthood, including chronic physical conditions such as autoimmune disorders, mental health conditions, and more.

CHILD ABUSE IN WYOMING:

Unfortunately, child abuse is happening in the state of Wyoming. Here is a look at just a few of the cases that Wyoming saw in 2024:

• February: Natrona county foster parent, Steven Marler, charged 20 counts, including two sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree, sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree, and immodest, immoral, or indecent liberties with a minor. Investigations revealed inappropriate touching and contact with two girls - one for over a period of eight years. Excessive discipline was also disclosed such as running miles in the snow, withholding food, and standing on the wall for twelve to fourteen hours a day. All statements were corroborated by witnesses and other foster children who lived in the home.

• October: Thermopolis man, Douglas Nelson, sentenced to 30-50 years for two counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree as well at 8-12 years for sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree, all of which will run concurrently. The investigation began in 2023 when one victim and his mother met with a Thermopolis Police Officer to report abuse that had happened for most of his childhood. This abuse only stopped when another boy came forward with allegations against Nelson.

• October: James Martin, 38, sentenced to 37-45 years for two counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor, among other charges. Martin began friendship, then a sexual relationship with the victim. In November 2022, he abruptly quit his job, picked up the victim from school, and transported her to Arizona. The victim was “brainwashed”, provided alcohol, groomed, and isolated by Martin. Federal sentencing of ten years for transportation of a minor for sex will run concurrent to state sentencing

THE CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY PROJECT'S ROLE:

Since opening in 2002, the Children’s Advocacy Project has worked to provide a coordinated and multidisciplinary response to allegations of child abuse in a child-friendly environment.

The Children’s Advocacy Project aims to ensure that children who have experienced abuse or neglect in Natrona County and throughout Wyoming receive the support, resources, and services they need to heal and thrive. While also working to providing educational resources to the community through in-school and adult trainings.

Overall, the Children’s Advocacy Project works to ensure that child abuse victims receive the care, support, and justice they deserve while working to prevent future instances of abuse and promote the safety and well-being of all children in the community.

WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A PARENT/CAREGIVER:

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the signs of child abuse and neglect so you can better know when to respond to a situation that makes you or your child uncomfortable.

2. Teach Body Safety: Educate your child about body safety and personal boundaries from an early age. Teach them the names of their body parts, explain appropriate and inappropriate touches, and empower them to say no to anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.

3. Monitor Your Child's Activities: Stay involved in your child's life and monitor their activities both online and offline. Know who they are spending time with, where they are going, and what they are doing. Encourage open communication and let your child know they can come to you with any concerns or questions.

4. Seek Help if Needed: If you are struggling with parenting or feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek help from a trusted professional, such as a therapist, counselor, or parenting coach. Asking for support is a sign of strength and can help prevent child abuse.

WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A COMMUNITY MEMBER:

1. Education and Awareness: Knowledge is power. By educating ourselves and others about the signs and consequences of child abuse, we can better identify and respond to situations of concern. Together we can advocate for change.

2. Know the Law: In the state of Wyoming, everyone is required by state law to report knowledge or suspicions of child abuse or neglect, which is why learning the signs and symptoms of abuse can be so important. That means that you are a mandatory reporter!

3. Support Organizations: By supporting organizations that support strengthening economic support for families, we can work toward child abuse prevention.

4. Make a Donation: A gift to the Children’s Advocacy Project means that every child that walks through our doors will receive comprehensive and coordinated care at no cost.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED DURING CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH:

Join Us all Month Long: Stay tuned on the Children’s Advocacy Project’s Instagram or Facebook as we continue to share prevention information!

• Wear Blue Day: Get out your blue jeans and favorite blue tee to show your support for strong families, safe kids, and the prevention of child abuse on Friday, April, 4 2025. Post the photo of your blue and tell us why you support safe, happy childhoods using the #WYIWearBlue
  
  
• Pinwheel Garden: Join us at the Children’s Advocacy Project building (350 N. Ash, Casper, WY 82601) on Tuesday, April 15 at 1:00 p.m. A pinwheel will be planted for each victim of abuse and maltreatment we served in 2024 – 262 children, 262 pinwheels. We hope these pinwheels serve as a visual reminder of the child abuse that continues to occur in our own community.

Pinwheel Garden Coloring Pages:
(click the sheet you like > download/print > color > enjoy!):