It's often a topic that isn't easy to talk about. April is child abuse prevention month and officials with one school system held an Easter egg hunt to Saturday to raise awareness about the issue.

For parents and their kids, it was a chance to have some fun but also learn about a serious topic at the same time.

"Child abuse and neglect is something that we see everyday, working in the school it's there," said Donna Helton.

Helton works as a coordinator with a family resource and youth service center in Harlan County. She along with other school officials hold an Easter egg hunt every year to help raise awareness about child abuse.

"We are taking it serious and we want make a, stand up and be heard. We want our message out there," said Helton.

A message that children can turn to teachers and counselors in their schools if they ever need help.

"Just let them know that there is people that care about what goes on with them and if they have problems or have incidents that happens with them that they do have people that they can come to," said Edna Burkhart, Assistant Principal at Evarts Elementary School.

"It's good for the kids, you know, if they know about it, they could just, if something was to happen they could come and tell somebody, they don't have to be afraid," said Michelle McMillion.

And it's something other parents say they make sure to teach their kids.

"Me and my husband both have always taught my children how important it is, no matter if it's an adult or another child or whoever who abuses them, they've always got someone out there to turn to," said Tina Wynn.

Because she says ensuring a child's well-being gives them a bright future.

This is the eighth year the school system has had the egg hunt. If you would like more information on how to help out in your community, contact your family resource center.