“In 2012, an estimated 686,000 children were victims of abuse and neglect nationwide.”

– U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

1983 was the first official Presidential Proclamation of the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since then, both the government and local communities have started their own movements to end the violence. Representatives from the Red Wing office of Kids Count are visiting almost every school in Goodhue County to raise awareness about the prevalence of abuse. Their mission is “to end child abuse…so that every person had the opportunity to live life to the fullest; while treating those we serve with respect, compassion, and dignity.” Sitting at a table on the edge of the Cannon Falls cafeteria, they brought with them a white cloth banner proclaiming their company name in blue and asked anyone who stopped by to sign and show their support. Of course, there was the additional gift of suckers for anyone willing to stop and talk. The banner will be hung later this month at a vigil in Red Wing for victims of child abuse. The most important thing they had to say to the school was this: “If someone says that they are being abused – believe them.”