More than one billion children worldwide are exposed to violence every year. To call attention to this staggering statistic, April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Embrace Families, the lead nonprofit agency overseeing child welfare in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, is hosting a number of educational events to raise awareness and promote advocacy.

On Friday, April 1, the nonprofit kicked off its 6th annual MANicure Movement^® – a grassroots effort designed to start serious conversations in a visual way. Throughout April, child welfare advocates keep one fingernail – usually the index finger – painted blue to draw attention to the fact that one in five children will suffer abuse before the age of 18.

Throughout the month, Embrace Families will host free webinars, featuring different experts to provide information about this critical issue:

-        Wednesday, April 6: The Dynamics of Child Abuse

How to recognize the signs and take action

-        Thursday, April 14: When Children are Trafficked: Intersection with the Child Welfare System

Recruitment tactics, along with tips and resources to help protect kids

-        Friday, April 22: The New Sex Ed: Addressing Pornography and Consent

Candid look at the impact pornography has on youth, along with tips and resources on how to be an “askable” adult

-        Wednesday, April 27: Helping Kids Cope: Addressing Trauma with Care

Common triggers and how to connect in a way that provides comfort, inspires peace, and encourages self-regulation

Each 60 to 90-minute webinar starts at 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required; go to events.MANicureMovement.com to select one or more sessions. Attendees will receive an official MANicure Movement^® training certificate for each session completed. More information at www.MANicureMovement.com.

Embrace Families, a 501c3 not for profit organization, helps Central Florida families overcome the root causes of abuse and neglect through programs that offer case management and other prevention services. When a child can’t remain safely in their home, we support them through foster care, adoption, mentoring and beyond. For more information, visit www.embracefamilies.org, “like” Embrace Families” on Facebook or follow it on Twitter and Instagram.