The National Children's Alliance reports that nearly 700,000 children are abused in the United States each year.

Child Welfare authorities work to ensure the safety of more than 3.5 million kids each year.

According to the Alliance, younger children are the most vulnerable and child abuse can be deadly with an estimated 94 children dying in Ohio from child abuse last year.

In honor of those children, a colorful garden of pinwheels is on display at Boardman Park, as April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Mahoning County Children Services, the Child Service Center of Akron Children's Hospital and volunteers planted about a thousand pinwheels Friday.

The wheels represent the number of people in the community who advocated on behalf of an abused or neglected child.

Jennifer Kollar, Public Information Officer of Mahoning County Children Services said the best defense against child abuse is a vigilant community to report abuse to local law enforcement and Children Services agencies.

"If you think something is wrong with a child or you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, make the call," Kollar said, "We want to hear from you."

Kollar said if you see something, say something because it could save a child's life. 

Mahoning County Children's Services: 330-941-8888

Trumbull County Children's Services: 330-372-2010

Columbiana County Children's Services: 330-424-1471