Hundreds of shimmering blue pinwheels are dancing with the breeze on the North Lawn of the state Capitol in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month in Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear signed a proclamation for the designation in April.

He also signed House Bill 207, which seeks to protect children from online victimizing.

And supporters gathered in the Rotunda and on the Capitol grounds to plant pinwheels in recognition of the cause.

You know, the Kentucky State Police, we prioritize the protection and safety of Kentucky's most vulnerable population, our children.

And this means we must stop every child predator from accessing and producing child sexual abuse materials.

Prevent Child Abuse.

Kentucky has been a tremendous law enforcement partner, and by working together on getting this bill passed, we cut off another way for child predators to capitalize on the harm Kentucky's children.

Every day, KSP continues to be a leader in public safety, and we are focused on addressing current and future public safety needs, particularly as technology advances.

Ending child abuse takes all of us knowing abuse occurs daily in every corner of the Commonwealth to challenge the moral courage of every Kentuckian.

Soon we will look out and see thousands of pinwheels on the Capitol grounds and in front of public buildings, offices and schools in every community.

They are a visual reminder of the abused and neglected children in our state.

Each of those pinwheels represent 12 live births recorded in Kentucky last year, and we are their voice.

Each pinwheel we plant is a visual reminder of our shared commitment.

Our law enforcement officers and agencies know that children and the stories that these pinwheels represent.

I want to thank those who helped us pass House Bill 207.

We need to equip our officers and prosecutors with every available tool to protect our kids and pursue their abusers.

We must work to give every Kentucky child the chance to grow up in a safe, stable and loving environment.

And I look forward to continuing this fight with all of you to.

Prevent child abuse.

Kentucky also worked with the Kentucky State Police to create a coloring book that teaches children online safety.