Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Walk held in Newark

NEWARK, OH- April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and today, families, advocates, and community members gathered in Newark to take the steps toward change.

The third annual Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Walk kicked off this morning at the Newark Canal Market Pavilion. Organized by My Place Child Care and School Age Center, the event brought together dozens of people who walked around the square in downtown Newark to raise awareness.

“There used to be a few years ago, a community organized child abuse prevention walks, and for whatever reason it dwindled away, and so Rose said, ‘you know what, we really need to bring that back for the community’ and I said, ‘let’s do it,’” said Michelle Brown, Administrator for My Place Child Care and School Age Center.

Participants were treated to a festive atmosphere that included raffle prizes, face paintings, music, and character appearances from Batman, Bluey, Thing 1 and 2, and more. Organizers say the fun was all in the name of giving a voice to children who may not have one.

“I feel like there are so many other events for cancer, which is good, but kids don’t have a word, they don’t have a say in their life, so adults and the community needs to stand up for them, so I really wanted to bring it back because it is important to get it out, and working in a child care center, I do see foster kids come through there, you see kids who have been abused, and neglected, and if I can help by at least bringing the word out, it’s important to me,” said My Place Child Care and School Age Center event coordinator, Rose Kimble.

Organizers say the walk will return next April to continue the fight to protect vulnerable children. To stay up to date on next year’s event, follow My Place Child Care and School Age Center on Facebook.