Hundreds of Pinwheels Planted in Fayetteville to Raise Awareness for Child Abuse Prevention

The display marks the start of Child Abuse Prevention Month, bringing together the community to support survivors and promote education.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:10pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a field of spinning blue pinwheels, their movement creating a dreamlike, impressionistic scene of soft, warm color and light.The vibrant display of pinwheels in Fayetteville serves as a poignant symbol of the community's commitment to child abuse prevention and support for survivors.Fayetteville Today

Hundreds of blue pinwheels were planted along Rowan Street in Fayetteville, North Carolina, representing children affected by abuse in the past year. The event, hosted by the Fayetteville Child Advocacy Center, aimed to raise awareness about child abuse and the importance of prevention and support for survivors.

Why it matters

Child abuse can have lasting impacts on mental health, sense of safety, and an individual's ability to move forward in life. The pinwheel display serves as a visible reminder of the need for continued vigilance and community involvement in protecting children and supporting survivors.

The details

The Fayetteville Child Advocacy Center planted 531 pinwheels, each one symbolizing a child affected by abuse in the past year. Local officials spoke about the lasting effects of abuse and the importance of prevention and reporting. The center emphasized the need for early education, recognizing warning signs, and community involvement in addressing this issue.

  • The event took place on April 1, 2026, marking the beginning of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
  • The Fayetteville Child Advocacy Center hosts this event annually to raise awareness.

The players

Fayetteville Child Advocacy Center

A local organization that supports investigations into child abuse and provides resources for survivors and the community.

John Webster

The executive director of the Fayetteville Child Advocacy Center.

Faith Bohemer

The prevention and volunteer coordinator at the Fayetteville Child Advocacy Center.

Cumberland County

The county in which Fayetteville is located, which consistently ranks among the top three in the state for the number of children investigated for maltreatment.

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What they’re saying

“It's just a symbol of childhood and innocence. So many of our children have had that robbed from them, and we're trying to find ways to restore that.”

— John Webster, Executive Director, Fayetteville Child Advocacy Center

“For those who experience abuse or neglect, the impact can be very lasting. It can affect their mental health, sense of safety, and how they move forward in life. And this is why your work that you do matters.”

— County Commissioner

“When they're three, talk about who can touch your body parts. It's OK for the doctor to touch your body parts when they're having an exam. It's OK for mom and dad to wash your body parts when you're in the tub. But it's OK for you to take care of your body parts.”

— Faith Bohemer, Prevention and Volunteer Coordinator, Fayetteville Child Advocacy Center

What’s next

The Fayetteville Child Advocacy Center will continue to host events and educational programs throughout Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness and support for survivors.

The takeaway

This display of pinwheels serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to protect children, support survivors, and promote prevention efforts within the community. By working together, Fayetteville and Cumberland County can make strides in addressing the issue of child abuse and ensuring a safer, more nurturing environment for all children.