By Cindi Hamar
For The New Era
Some two dozen people marched Saturday morning, April 12, to bring attention to the problem of child abuse.
March against Child Abuse participants also heard from speakers from Jackson Street Youth Services and ABC House, both in Albany, and Sweet Home Police Department, who discussed how the public can respond to the reality that one in 10 children will be sexually abused before the age of 18. Both had tables and outreach workers at the Sweet Home Police Department, where the event began, to provide literature/resources and answer questions.
SHPD Detective Sean Potter told attendees that child abuse “comes in many forms, but the most common I’ve encountered is neglect.”
He said the department sees children without proper food, clothing or a safe place to sleep.
“Sometimes it’s a matter of parents being overwhelmed or dealing with their own trauma, but the impact on the child is just as severe, regardless of intent,” Potter said. “And there are the more serious cases-physical and sexual abuse. These are the ones that shake us to our core.”
He said he’s been involved in cases in which long-term abuse stretched back for years before it was reported.
“The strength it takes for a child to come forward. or for a teacher or neighbor to recognize the signs and speak up-cannot be overstated,” Potter said. “And when that call comes in, our job is to act swiftly, thoroughly, and with compassion. At SHPD we’re committed to protecting our community’s most vulnerable. But we can’t do it alone. Together we can build a safer, more compassionate world for every child.”
Anyone who suspects child abuse is encouraged to contact SHPD at (541) 367-21
ABC House provides prevention education, youth and adult presentations, children’s services including medical exams, forensic interviews, trauma counseling, family support and referrals. It can be contacted at (541) 926-2203 or www.abchouse.org.
Jackson Street Youth Services provides emergency housing, a full clothes closet, food boxes, socks, covid tests, hygiene and dental kits, as well as showers and laundry services by appointment. Clients can have mentors who can assist at all levels including with transition programs for the 18- to 24-year-olds. It can be reached at (541) 224-6510 or www.jacksonstreet.org/services.
Jason Ogden, Sweet Home’s chief of police and city manager, introduced new Community Services Officer Jennifer Gaspand, who started in March of 2025 was retired from a lengthy corrections service career. She was with Linn County Corrections for 10 years and prior with Deschutes County and OLCC.
Participants also got a lunch of a hotdog, chips and drink, along with a goody bag.
Jacob Stewart of ABC House thanked those who turned out to participate.
“We are here to help children and families,” he said. “We have doctors on staff that can check children from their heads to their toes. We have therapists on staff. We make sure people know what child abuse looks like.There are no cost for the services we provide.”
He said that those interested in combatting child abuse should “take children seriously” and “commit to being the helping adult needed” and “speak up.”
“The march we are going to do is a great place to start,” he said.
March Against Child Abuse Photo Gallery
