A somber reminder shines across the lawn of the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre. 528 pinwheels are placed to represent the horrors some children face every single day, each representing a child brave enough to speak up about abuse and the services provided by the Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center.
"Preventing child abuse is a community effort. We can't do it alone, and today, at the planting of the pinwheels, that was very evident," said Katrina Gownley, Luzerne County Children and Youth administrator.
The courthouse lawn is now a sea of blue ahead of April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month. It's a yearly event to help create change for these children. Several agencies, from law enforcement to children and youth, come out year after year to do the planting
"That's why I do what I do for 28 years because I feel like I can be the one person in their lives to help protect them," said Gownley.
The Luzerne County Children and Youth director says child abuse is often underreported. But federal numbers show one in every four kids will face child abuse or neglect before they turn 18.
"Sometimes kids need to be in therapy for years and years before they feel comfortable to disclose this abuse. And they are true heroes when they do because it's a long journey for them," said Gownley.
The shimmering pinwheels will catch the eye of all who drive along River Street throughout April. It will serve as a reminder that if you see something, say something because it may save a child's life.
"I hope that when people do drive by, they think about mandatory reporting. If you see something, call our hotline or a state agency because it takes a community to battle this," she explained.
The group also set up a display Friday afternoon at city hall in Hazleton. The display will be set up through the month of April.
To report child abuse and neglect, the number is 1-800-932-0313.