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Child Abuse Revention Month Flag Raising

Springfield, MA – In partnership with the City of Springfield, Helix Human Services raises hope for a brighter future.

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, a flag raising ceremony took place at Springfield City Hall to mark Child Abuse Prevention Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness and strengthening community efforts to protect children and support families.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the young lives lost due to violence, abuse, or neglect, and reaffirmed the community’s and Helix’s commitment to creating a safer, more nurturing environment for all children.

Mayor Domenic Sarno, City Councilor Brian Santaniello, School Committeewoman Rosa Valentin and the City of Springfield, along with representatives from State Senator Adam Gomez and State Senator Jacob Oliveira’s offices, joined with Helix Human Services in raising a flag, and hope, for children, highlighting the need for awareness, prevention, and advocacy in the fight against child abuse. Also in attendance were students from the Helix Human Services Mill Pond School, who helped raise the flag.

Child Abuse Effects Many

7.4 in 1,000 children are victims of maltreatment nationwide and 14.9 in 1,000 children are victims of maltreatment in the state of Massachusetts. The actual number of children abused is likely underreported. 21 in 1,000 children under the age of 1 are victims of abuse and children under 1 represent 44% of child fatalities from maltreatment. The majority (76.0%) of perpetrators are parent(s) to their victim.

Proclamation

Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to highlight the work we do to protect children from abuse and neglect, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on our communities and recognize the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno officially proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Springfield, emphasizing the city’s dedication to safeguarding its youngest residents.

City of Springfield Proclamation April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month

Lisa Zarcone Shared her Personal Experience with Abuse

Lisa Zarcone, adult survivor of child abuse turned author, advocate, and public speaker, spoke at the flag raising ceremony.

When a parent or guardian is struggling who helps the child?  This is a very profound question, because we must look at the bigger picture.  It all starts with a strong foundation in the home, and when that is being chipped away by dysfunction and personal struggles, everything starts to fall apart.  The innocent victims – the children are most vulnerable.  Far too many of them are falling through the cracks of a system that needs to step up and do better.

Helix CEO, Mark Paglia Reaffirmed the Mission to Serve Children

Mark Paglia, CEO of Helix Human Services spoke at the flag raising ceremony.

Children who experience abuse or neglect are not defined by what happened to them. With the right support, safe relationships, trauma-informed care, stable housing, mental health services, and community connection—children can heal, grow, and lead meaningful healthier, Happier lives. Resilience is built when adults show up consistently.

Child Memorial Flag

Helix Human Services chose to raise the Child Welfare League of America’s Child Memorial flag as a symbol to support our community’s children. CWLA is a powerful coalition of hundreds of private and public agencies that since 1920 has worked to serve children and families who are vulnerable. As the flag waved against the spring sky, attendees are reminded that while the work is far from over, hope remains strong—and it begins with community.

Thank you to all local officials, community members, advocates, and Helix staff who gathered to reflect, remember, and recommit themselves to action.

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