It’s easy to assume child abuse is something that happens elsewhere—until you realize it’s affecting children here at home. In 2025, 597 Galveston County children experienced abuse or neglect, each facing challenges no child should endure.
As Child Abuse Awareness Month begins, local organizations like CASA of Galveston County are working to bring those stories to light and show how everyday people can help.
“Child abuse is a difficult topic that many avoid, but it’s happening in our backyard,” CASA Board Chair Erin Callahan said. “If we want to protect our children, we have to see it, talk about it and step up to make a difference.”
Why awareness matters
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. It’s a time to acknowledge the problem and highlight the hidden stories of children who are hurting. The month exists to educate the community, raise visibility for prevention efforts and inspire action to protect children before abuse happens.
Child abuse isn’t always visible. It can occur behind closed doors, in homes that should feel safe, leaving lasting emotional scars. By learning the signs, speaking up and supporting local prevention programs, we can ensure children are seen, heard and protected.
“As a society, our primary responsibility is to protect children,” Callahan said. “Child Abuse Awareness Month lets us focus, have hard conversations and turn our concern into action.”
Events to bring awareness
To mark Child Abuse Awareness Month, CASA of Galveston County is raising visibility and engaging the community. Two signature events highlight these efforts:
Beyond these events, the community can show support in various ways, including:
- Blue virtual pinwheel wall campaign: Make your support visible by sponsoring a virtual pinwheel and filling our virtual pinwheel garden.
- Awareness t-shirts: Make a suggested $25 donation and receive a CASA of Galveston County t-shirt and spark meaningful conversations.
These efforts not only highlight the issue; they also allow people to get personally involved. For those moved to do more, CASA offers the opportunity to become a trained advocate, giving a voice to children who need someone they can trust.
Want to make a bigger impact
For many, supporting awareness is just the first step. CASA of Galveston County offers a way to make a real, lasting difference: becoming a trained volunteer advocate. These volunteers provide stability, guidance and a consistent voice for children in the foster care system.
CASA of Galveston County relies on everyday people to fill this role. Volunteers come from all corners of our community and don’t need any special legal or social work background, just a heart for children and a willingness to speak up for them.
“CASA needs everyday people to make an extraordinary difference,” Callahan said. “I started as a college student and moved between different CASAs as my life changed. I’ve seen firsthand how the everyday person can change a child’s life.”
Steps to become an advocate:
Regardless of volunteer numbers, CASA of Galveston County is committed to serving every child needing an advocate—but the need is growing. The organization is seeking around 40 more volunteers to ensure every child has support.
More ways to get involved
CASA emphasizes that everyone can contribute, regardless of time or resources. Other ways to get involved include:
Upcoming volunteer trainings include a May mini-series on May 4-21 and a summer session June 15-25—click here to learn more.
If you think someone is hurting or mistreating a child, you must act. Call the Texas Abuse Hotline 1-800-252-5400 or go to www.txabusehotline.org. If a child’s life is in danger, call 911.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact’s Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.