Various members of the community came together in front of Selma City Hall Monday to place blue pinwheels in the gardens around the building in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

A pinwheel was placed in front of city hall for each child that was involved in an investigative case of child abuse last year in Dallas County, totaling 150.

“We plant them, and honor the children and be happy about the fact that they are now safe and protected,” said Lauri Cothran, executive director of the Central Alabama Regional Child Advocacy Center. “It’s an opportunity for us to try to have a positive message.”

Cothran said the 150 cases of child abuse last year were down from the previous year’s 241 cases.

Cothran said they have recently made extra efforts to go into the schools and help people become more aware of child abuse and help with prevention.

“This event is about the prevention message,” Cothran said. “Child abuse really tugs on your heart, … but I know that we make a difference and I can see it in the children.”

Selma Mayor Darrio Melton said placing the pinwheels in front of City Hall was a way of letting the community know about child abuse, and he hopes those with questions will seek answers when it comes to prevention. 

“I think that it’s important that when we start talking about the greatness of a city, we measure that city by what it does for the most vulnerable and the little people in the community,” Melton said. “By us doing this, we’re shedding light on child abuse and how we are advocating for prevention.”

Melton praised the efforts of the Advocacy Center and their accomplishments this year.

“We’re very fortunate in Selma to have such resources at our disposal,” Melton said.

“I couldn’t imagine what it feels like to be in a community that doesn’t have the resources that we do.”