HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Pinwheels will begin popping up around Ottawa County. It’s part of an annual child-abuse and sexual assault prevention and awareness campaign.
Leigh Moerdyke of Arbor Circle. says the Pinwheels for Prevention effort aims at awareness and education.
Moerdyke, a member of Ottawa County’s Stop Child Abuse and Neglect Council, said the pinwheels are also intended to remind people that everyone plays a role in community safety. She said between 50 and 60 pinhweel gardens will be installed this month, starting with Ottawa County’s Fillmore complex.
Awareness, she said, is one way to help children have the safe and healthful childhoods they deserve.
It’s the eighth year Arbor Circle has used the pinwheel awareness program. Moerdyke said any organization can contact Arbor Circle to request a pinwheel garden or offer to sponsor one.
Michigan State Police Trooper Martin Miller says anyone who suspects child abuse should alert police. He said a simple swat on a child’s behind wouldn’t be considered abuse.
“But if it leaves permanent marks, bruising, welts, things like that, well, that steps into child abuse,” he said, adding that police investigators can help families find additional support and education to prevent child abuse.
