Letter: Community can get involved to fight child abuse and sexual assault
April is Child Abuse Prevention & Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Last year in Benton and Franklin counties, law enforcement investigated approximately 550 cases of child abuse.
Community members can take valuable steps to show support. One way to become involved is to simply talk about the issue of child abuse in our community. Bringing this issue to light can help others be aware and protect the children around them. If you suspect a child is being abused, report it! Reporting does not necessarily constitute a proven fact — it is raising a question about the condition or state of a child.
Another way to get involved is to participate in the many community awareness events happening in April. The Support, Advocacy & Resource Center is organizing several child abuse prevention events including the Little People Project, Clothesline Project, and Strides of Strength Walk.
Strides of Strength will be held on April 16 at 11 a.m. at the Lord of Life Church at 640 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick. Attendees will be able to carry a wooden figurine that represents a case of child abuse. All are welcome to come and join!
For information, call SARC at 509-374-5391.
Denise Martin, Pasco
This story was originally published March 26, 2016 at 6:09 PM with the headline "Letter: Community can get involved to fight child abuse and sexual assault."