Family Enrichment Center raises awareness of child abuse warning signs with TEN-4 awareness
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – Community partners and local officials gathered Tuesday at Community Action of Southern Kentucky to raise awareness about child abuse and encourage residents to recognize warning signs.
The Family Enrichment Center hosted the event as part of TEN-4 Awareness Day. Warren County officials also proclaimed Oct. 4, 2026, as TEN-4 Awareness Day in Bowling Green and Warren County.
TEN-4 is a tool used to identify potentially concerning bruising in children younger than 4. The “TEN” refers to the torso, ears and neck, while the “4” refers to children under age 4. Certain areas of the face, including the angle of the jaw, cheeks, eyelids and the whites of the eyes, are also included.
Organizers said bruising in those areas can be especially concerning when a child is not yet crawling or moving around.
“In the state of Kentucky, we’re all mandated reporters,” a Family Enrichment Center representative said. “It is not like that in other states. But here it is.”
The representative encouraged community members to learn the warning signs and understand when a report may be necessary. Kentucky’s child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-877-KY-SAFE-1.
The event also focused on supporting families before situations reach a crisis point.
“We all need to support families first,” the representative said. “We all need to be involved.”
Organizers said keeping children safe requires more than responding to reports of abuse. They emphasized the role of community members, organizations and other partners in supporting families and preventing abuse.
“We can keep kids safe by being a voice for kids,” the representative said. “We can’t do it alone. We have to do it with you all and our partners.”
The Family Enrichment Center also encouraged residents to take advantage of free training opportunities available throughout October, including sessions such as “Pediatric Abuse Head Trauma TEN/4 with Bruising” on Thursday, Sept. 24. To register for that session, visit www.fecbg.com/familyinprogress.
