Child Abuse Prevention Month

Signs of Abuse and How to Report

Important Statistics

A Child Has Disclosed Abuse to You- Now What?

FREE Personal Safety Education and Trainings

Florida Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-422-4453

What is Child Abuse Prevention Month?

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAPM), a time dedicated to raising awareness, educating the public on how to recognize and report child abuse, promoting prevention strategies, and encouraging communities and families to work together and support one another to create a safe and stable environment where children can thrive.

It’s estimated that 95% of child sexual abuse is preventable through education and awareness. Ninety. Five. Percent. By joining our voices together in advocacy throughout the month of April, you are:

Building safe and stable communities that are informed, empowered, and safer for children.

Reducing the stigma that surrounds a difficult subject and creating spaces for survivors to be believed and supported.

Raising awareness of the Child Protection Center (or your own local Child Advocacy Center) and the vital services and resources that are available to the community, including FREE Personal Safety workshops for children and adults.

How Can I Make a Difference?

Visit Our Resource Library

Visit our newly launched Resource Library! Currently, the library includes the following comprehensive guides: Practicing Personal Safety with Your Child; Internet Safety; Abduction Prevention; and Healthy Coping Skills, Regulation, and Repair, as well as various support and crisis hotlines.

Financial Support & Wish List Items

From matched donation opportunities to Facebook Fundraisers to donation drives for our clients’ wish lists and office supplies, there are numerous ways to support the fight against child abuse.

Share Our CAPM Flyer

Print and share our CAPM flyer at work, church, the library, community centers, neighborhood bulletin boards, rec centers- wherever there are communal bulletin boards and postings!

Go Blue For Kids

Blue is the color for child abuse prevention. Join us in spreading awareness for Wear Blue Day on Friday, April 3rd by going #BlueForKids – wear blue, snap a selfie, and share it online!

Support cpc during the giving challenge

Happening noon to noon, April 15-16, The Giving Challenge is an exciting 24-hour online giving event with donations being matched up to $100 each. Click here to get a reminder to give!

Pinwheels for prevention

Blue pinwheels are an important symbol for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Learn the meaning behind the pinwheel and pinwheel gardens, find a pinwheel coloring sheet, and instructions for a DIY pinwheel to do with your kids.

Social Advocacy

Inspire others by sharing online. We have numerous CAPM graphics ready to be shared- save the ones you like to share throughout the month with hashtags #ChildAbusePreventionMonth and #WhyICPC.

Brew Awareness with Coffee for kids

Like last year, numerous local businesses are partnering with our mission to raise awareness by using CPC coffee sleeves during April! *An updated list of 2026 partners will be added soon.

Volunteer

There are many ways to contribute your time, talents, and generosity to support the Child Protection Center and bring healing and safety to children who are vulnerable to child abuse.

CAPM Dates and Events

Check out upcoming opportunities for hands-on involvement, such as Wear Blue Day (dress in blue on April 3rd and share a selfie!), CPC fundraisers and events, volunteering, and family-focused activities.

Free personal safety workshops

Over 90% of child abuse can be prevented with education. Our Personal Safety & Community Awareness team offers free workshops on 20+ topics, including internet safety, sexual abuse prevention, and empathy training.

Personal Safety Bingo

Spring into being safer with this CPC Bingo card! This is full of wonderful ways to bond and spend quality time with your child as well as integrate some basic personal safety skills and conversations.

Child Abuse Is A Problem…
CPC Is Working Towards A Solution.

This year at CPC…

53,563 individuals reached
357 safe family visits coordinated through the Supervised Visitation Program
360 medical examinations provided by the Child Protection Team to assess signs of abuse and neglect
574 educational workshops were conducted by the Personal Safety & Community Awareness Program, covering topics such as Personal Safety, Sexual Abuse Prevention, and Internet Safety
4,231.75 hours of therapy were provided through the Sexual Abuse Treatment Program, the Kid Kindness Program, and Hanna’s Hope

The words below were written to CPC by numerous survivors and caregivers of young survivors who have gone through our therapy program.

“Our family would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the support, kindness, and compassion. When we first came here, we were afraid, confused, and worried. You were all Caring, Protecting, and Comforting. That’s what CPC stands for to us.”

“I’m having less nightmares.”

“[Therapy] at the Child Protection Center didn’t just change my life — it saved it. Your donation creates healing. It restores hope. It gives survivors the tools to rise, rebuild, and reclaim their lives — just like I did.”

“She has made significant changes. She has been able to reintegrate into school. She’s a lot less jumpy.”

“I feel like I’m getting my little boy back.”

“Therapy has given me hope.”

“She used to sleep with the light on and now has it off.”

“I became happier and more content overall, not just with the sexual abuse. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”

“After our first session, I felt instant relief.”

Stay informed and follow us on social media

To report child abuse or neglect contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at:

1.800.962.2873

Child Protection Center Locations

Sarasota Office

720 South Orange Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941.365.1277
Fax: 941-953-7181
VIEW MAP

North Port Office
Campus of Healing

5600 Peace River Road
North Port, FL 34287
To Contact Supervised Visitation
Phone: 941-423-1921
VIEW MAP

Arcadia Office

222 N. Robert Avenue
Arcadia, FL 34266
Phone: 941-365-1277
VIEW MAP