MOUNT OLIVE, NC – Blue pinwheels spinning at the entrance of the University of Mount Olive serve as a visible reminder of a serious issue affecting communities across the country. As part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the University’s psychology program is joining local partners to raise awareness, strengthen prevention efforts, and support children and families in Wayne County.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month, also known as Child Abuse Awareness Month, highlights both the need to recognize signs of abuse and the importance of proactive support systems that help prevent it from occurring. While awareness focuses on identifying and responding to abuse, prevention emphasizes building strong families through education, resources, and community connections.
“In Wayne County, we focus on prevention because it is the most effective way to protect children and strengthen families,” said Associate Professor of Psychology Natalie Kemp. “It requires a commitment from the entire community to ensure children grow up in safe, supportive environments.”
Local data underscores the urgency of that work. Wayne County continues to report child victimization rates above the state average, with neglect identified as the most common form of maltreatment. On any given day, nearly 200 children in the county are served through active protective services.
The University’s psychology program plays an active role in addressing these challenges through community collaboration. Kemp serves as co-facilitator of CARE for Wayne, a coalition focused on reducing the impact of generational trauma. The group works to build a more compassionate community where individuals feel safe and supported.
One of the most visible campus efforts took place on April 13, when students and faculty planted a pinwheel garden at the campus entrance. The blue pinwheel, the national symbol for prevention, represents the bright future every child deserves and serves as a call to action for the community. “The display shows that the University of Mount Olive stands with those affected by abuse and supports the organizations working to prevent it,” Kemp said. “It is a reminder that child safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
The initiative is strengthened through a growing partnership with the Mt. Olive Children’s Advocacy Center, part of East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine and a member of CARE for Wayne. Located in the University’s Waylin Center property on 545 Michael Martin Road, the Advocacy Center provides a child-friendly setting for forensic interviews and medical evaluations, helping reduce trauma for children who have experienced abuse.
The partnership also creates valuable opportunities for UMO students. Psychology majors are now completing clinical internships with the center, gaining hands-on experience working with children, families, and multidisciplinary teams that include law enforcement, legal professionals, and social workers.
“These experiences prepare students for careers in helping professions and sets them apart as they enter graduate programs or the workforce,” Kemp said. “They are learning not only the technical aspects of care, but also the importance of compassion and community connection.”
Students will further engage with the community during events such as the “On the Right Track: Family Fun Day for Child Abuse Prevention” at Herman Park, where they will assist families, support local agencies, and build connections that extend beyond the classroom.
Through these combined efforts, the University of Mount Olive continues to emphasize that preventing child abuse is not solely the responsibility of one agency or organization. It is a shared commitment that depends on awareness and strong partnerships. “Prevention begins with community,” Kemp said. “When we work together to support families, we create safer, healthier futures for our children.”
