Sweet Home residents gathered Saturday, April 11, for the community’s annual March Against Child Abuse, hosted by the Sweet Home Police Department.
The event included an approximately mile-long walk along Main and Long streets, the planting of a pinwheel garden on the lawn outside SHPD, and remarks from Sweet Home Community Services Officer Sean Morgan and from Jennifer Cabral-Ireland, program manager for Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) of Linn County.
It ended with a hot dog lunch.
Morgan noted that the purpose of National Child Abuse Prevention Month is “shining a light on hope,” adding that when children who are harmed “lose their voice inside their own homes. They have nowhere to turn.”
That is why the community needs to be alert to signs that may indicate child abuse: unexplained injuries, withdrawal, fearfulness, sudden changes in school performance, he said.
“If you suspect child abuse, contact law enforcement or children’s services,” Morgan said. “Your call could be the turning point in a child’s life.”
Sometimes, he added, prevention can be as simple as speaking up when someone crosses the line with a child, as well as providing other support for families in difficulties.
Cabral-Ireland, who is a CASA advocate herself, said that the local branch has 42 volunteers serving 88 children, with more waiting for advocacy help.
“Each of us has a role to play,” Morgan said. “Volunteer your time. Connect with other parents. Support vulnerable children and the families who are trying their best under difficult circumstances.”
