April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a month committed to raising awareness and preventing child abuse. In Jefferson County, 8,004 referrals of abuse were reported in 2011, a 5% increase from 2010. Abused and neglected children are part of the community and it will never be enough to intervene after abuse has occurred. Increased efforts to prevent abuse and raise awareness for the month of April include several activities which allow Jefferson County residents and employees to become involved.