Friday marks the first day of Child Abuse Prevention Month. And the Quad Cities Child Abuse Council is partnering with local organizations to host fundraisers and raise awareness about child neglect and abuse.
Spokeswoman Angie Kendall says while awareness is important, prevention is the first step.
The Child Abuse Council has scheduled nine events in April including a documentary and panel discussion with people who were abused as children.
Later this month, advocates and local residents will plant pinwheel gardens at the Moline Police Department and Skip-A-Long locations. Three fundraisers also will be held, including the annual Lifesaver Celebration.
The free documentary screening and panel discussion will be held Friday at 5:30 pm at the Birchwood Fields Learning Center in Davenport.