April is national child abuse prvention month

April 1 marks the start of national child abuse prevention month.
In 2013, there were 679,000 victims of child abuse and neglect throughout the United States; more than 10,000 were child victims from Colorado, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children & Families.
In 2014, the Kempe Children's Center at Children's Hospital treated 1,306 children for abuse, served 641 parents and caregivers and trained 9,605 child welfare professionals.
To raise awareness of child abuse prevention, Kempe and Children's Hospital Colorado hosted its annual Livin' Blue Ribbon event on Wednesday at Children's Hospital Atrium. More than 100 employees came together to show how much they care about children by forming a human blue ribbon.
The event raises awareness about the public health crisis of child abuse and neglect, and encourages staff and community to come together to prevent child abuse and neglect.
The Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse started as a Virginia grandmother's tribute to her grandson who died as a result of abuse. She tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her car as a way to remember him and alert her community to the tragedy of child abuse.
Blue ribbons will be worn by people throughout the state and displayed on buildings to bring awareness to the public health crisis of child abuse and neglect. Blue and silver pinwheels will also be planted.
A giant blue ribbon will be hung at 9NEWS' studio throughout the month to show our commitment to caring about children.
The public is asked to wear blue on Tuesdays throughout the month of April.