LANSING, MICHIGAN - In fiscal year 2015 Michigan had 23,813 confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services wants you to speak up if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected.

"Michigan's children can be protected through the power of one person, one community, one dollar or one action," Erica Quealy, Spokesperson for MDHHS said.

To report child abuse or neglect people can do so anonymously by calling the MDHHS hotline at 855-444-3911. Quealy stresses the importance of anonymity when reporting suspected abuse.

"You don't have to worry about any implications on yourself," she said. "It's just really a matter of speaking up on the behalf of children to protect them."

In addition to Governor Rick Snyder issuing a proclamation, the Michigan Children's Trust Fund, as well as local prevention councils throughout the state, host events in their respective communities to highlight prevention efforts, Quealy said.

When a report is made of suspected child abuse or neglect, the main goal isn't to remove the child from the home, but rather, provide the parents or guardians of the child the appropriate resources to improve the situation.

"A lot of times our first rule is always to provide that family with the support or services that they need to address any problems they are having in the home," Quealy said.

For more information about child abuse prevention visit www.michigan.gov/mdhhs