CAP Month
Child Abuse Prevention Month in Virginia
Every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported. During Child Abuse Prevention Month, Child Advocacy Centers across Virginia come together to raise awareness, strengthen prevention efforts, and support children and families impacted by abuse.
What Is Child Abuse Prevention Month?
Child Abuse Prevention Month was officially established in 1983, when Ronald Reagan proclaimed April as a time to raise awareness about child abuse and the importance of prevention.
The movement grew out of increasing national attention in the 1970s and early 1980s on child protection, prevention education, and the need for coordinated community response. Since then, April has become a nationwide effort focused on strengthening families, supporting children, and promoting safe, stable, and nurturing community environments.
Across Virginia, Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) play a critical role in responding to abuse, providing coordinated services, and promoting prevention through education and outreach.
How Virginia Child Advocacy Centers Support Children and Families
Child Advocacy Centers of Virginia (CACVA) supports a network of CACs that provide:
- Forensic interviews in a child-friendly environment
- Family advocacy and support services
- Mental health referrals and trauma-informed care
- Multidisciplinary team coordination with law enforcement, social services, and medical professionals
Together, CACs ensure children do not have to navigate the aftermath of abuse alone.
Why Child Abuse Prevention Matters
Child abuse prevention starts with awareness, education, and community involvement. By recognizing the signs of abuse, supporting families, and investing in prevention services, we can reduce risk and create safer environments for children across Virginia.
How To Get Involved in Child Abuse Prevention Month
There are meaningful ways to support Child Abuse Prevention Month in Virginia:
- Learn and share information about child abuse prevention with your family, friends, and on social media
- Attend local events, including open houses and community trainings
- Wear blue to show your support during April
- Advocate for policies that strengthen services for children
- Contact your state legislators to show your support for fully funding every Child Advocacy Center in Virginia. Reach out with an email, letter, or phone call and help ensure children and families have access to the services they need
- Donate to support Child Advocacy Centers and their work
Events and Awareness Across Virginia
Throughout April, CACs across Virginia host events to raise awareness and connect with their communities. From open houses to educational sessions, these events provide opportunities to learn more and take action.
Support Virginia Child Advocacy Centers
Your support helps ensure that children and families have access to critical services when they need them most. Whether through advocacy, education, or financial support, every action makes a difference.
Find a Child Advocacy Center Near You
Child Advocacy Centers provide coordinated, child-focused services that support children and families impacted by abuse. Through forensic interviews, family advocacy, and multidisciplinary care, CACs help ensure children feel safe, heard, and supported while accessing critical resources.