MIDDLEBURY — The Addison Children’s Advocacy Center (ACAC) is dedicated to supporting victims of sexual abuse and serious child abuse in the community. By providing a safe and comfortable space, children and their families can be assured that they are being taken care of as they manage their way through the criminal justice process. The ACAC aims not only to support victims but to also educate the community about child abuse.
As of April 2015, Gov. Peter Shumlin declared the month of April to be Child Abuse Prevention Month in Vermont. In coordination with Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, this year the ACAC has become a part of the “Pinwheels for Prevention” movement to bring further awareness to the issue of child abuse. The pinwheels symbolize the childhood every child deserves — fun, carefree, and absent of abuse.
The movement is dedicated to the belief that preventative measures should be just as important as intervention efforts. The pinwheel is a commitment to these preventative efforts in making resources and programs accessible to families throughout the county and keeping children safe. Reaching out to the community and raising awareness is the first step towards prevention and creating healthier, safer and more nurturing homes.
Beginning April 1, the community can see the ACAC’s “pinwheel garden” displayed in front of the center, which is at the sheriff’s department building at 35 Court St. in Middlebury. Each pinwheel represents a family the center supported in 2015.