In observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign will turn blue to raise awareness about child abuse. The ceremony, featuring Clark County commissioners and representatives from Olive Crest, a child abuse prevention organization, will take place at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
Commissioner Michael Naft stated, "Last year, our Child Protective Services staff investigated 12,087 instances of alleged abuse and neglect, and of those investigations, 3,017 were substantiated." He emphasized the importance of strengthening community safety and reporting. Jimmy Monaghan, Executive Director of Olive Crest in Nevada, said, "During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we must move beyond awareness to action." Monaghan, with personal experience in the issue, continues to focus on Olive Crest’s mission to prevent child abuse, support families, and provide stable homes for children, according to the Clark County.
Each year, over 1,800 children in the U.S. die from abuse or neglect, and a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds. The Clark County Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline is available 24/7 for reporting suspicions, and reports can be made anonymously. Clark County Family Services offers free parenting classes through the Parenting Project program to help families with communication and discipline. The "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, created by Betty Willis in 1959, now also serves as a symbol in the effort against child abuse.
