Updated April 9, 2019

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Giles County.

Types of abuse are neglect, sexual abuse and psychological and physical abuse, probably the most often thought about form of abuse.

To prevent Child Abuse Giles County and across Tennessee teaches  parents and caregivers of children how to build strong relationships and how to deal with them in the right way before a situation escalates to abuse.

According to Lindsey Johnsons, communication specialist at Prevention Child Abuse in Tennessee, we are all mandated reporters in Tennessee and  bound to the state to report if you suspect any abuse or neglect going on.

Johnson said abuse can happen anywhere and to anyone.

No one wakes up and thinks I’m going to abuse my child today, said Johnson. There are a lot of  risk factors that make families and children vulnerable to abuse,  things like poverty, risk of homelessness, food insecurity.

The pinwheels seen outside homes and businesses are a symbol for child abuse prevention.

To report abuse or neglect, call 1-877-54ABUSE (877-542-2873).