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Wear Blue, Give Green

Make a difference for children by wearing blue and giving green. As the only nonprofit in Travis County involved in the investigations of crimes against children, the Center for Child Protection helps hundreds of families each year. Wear Blue, Give Green began in April as a symbol of Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, but your support and community awareness is needed throughout the year. Your involvement can make a difference! GIVE TODAY AND YOU'LL RECEIVE A FREE BLUE WRISTBAND.

The History Behind Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month

April is recognized nationally as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month which began in 1989. The observance’s founding has been attributed to Bonnie Finney of Norfolk, VA, a grandmother who turned her grief into action after the murder of her 3-year-old grandson, Michael. Investigators found Michael’s body wrapped in a sheet, stuffed in a tool box, and dumped in a swamp just after her 16-month granddaughter was hospitalized with burns and broken bones from abuse. Ms. Finney tied a blue ribbon to her van as a sign of her personal commitment to involve everyone in the battle to stop child abuse and neglect. She chose the color blue to symbolize the bruises that covered her grandchildren.

Rise Above Stressful Times

• Keep the lines of communication open with your child.
• Be consistent with your children and stick to your limits. Praise your child for following the rules.
• When you are about to get angry, stop talking and breathe.
• If you are angry, move away from the situation. Take a few minutes to calm down.
• Everyone gets angry. If you feel yourself losing control, ask for help.

Prevent Sexual Abuse

• Teach your child the correct names for their private parts. Explain that private parts are generally considered areas covered by a swimming suit.
• Give children the freedom to say “no” when a relative or friend wants a kiss or hug. This gives children control over their bodies and sets healthy boundaries.
• Reduce the opportunity an adult might have to take advantage of a child by limiting one adult-one child situations where possible.
• Be watchful for changes in your child’s behavior.

If you know of or suspect a child is being abused, call (800) 252-5400 to report. If the situation is an emergency, call 911.