On April 6 the Kauai Children’s Justice Center partnered with the Kauai Police Department, Department of Health, YWCA, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Kauai, and others for a collaborated awareness event. Topics included the global Start By Believing event sponsored by End Violence Against Women International. The event also included recognition of child abuse prevention and sexual assault prevention to increase awareness of continued community reports of child maltreatment and sexual assault crimes.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho presented Violence Prevention Proclamations, the Kauai County Council presented a certificate recognizing the Start by Believing campaign, and attendees planted a pinwheel garden in front of the YWCA to create awareness that child abuse happens on Kauai. The pinwheels symbolize every child’s right to a positive childhood and serves as a visual reminder that the community of Kauai is actively supporting families in preventing the risk factors that lead to child abuse.

For more information, please visit the Hawaii Children’s Justice Centers’ website at www.courts.state.hi.us.