ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Sunday evening, a Delta County organization brought the community together to raise awareness about an important issue.
The Delta Regional Child Advocacy Center led supporters on a walk “Lighting the Path” for child abuse prevention, with some carrying pinwheels as a symbol of the cause. The group then held a candlelight vigil at the Karas Bandshell in honor of children who have lost their lives.
According to Center Director Sarah Sorensen, more than 300 children in Michigan die due to abuse and neglect each year. She encouraged attendees who see something to report it.
“We’re holding this just in order to spread more awareness in the community that we need to have more conversations about child abuse and neglect and some more prevention pieces that we need to put in place as a community,” Sorensen said, “and really to show support, not only for the victims but for services that need to be put in place for the victims as well.”
The event was the first “Lighting the Path” walk and vigil. Sorensen says the center hopes to make it an annual event.
The Delta Regional Child Advocacy Center provides child forensic interviews as a courtesy to law enforcement and child protective services, in addition to advocacy for families and therapy for children. Visit deltaregionalcac.org to learn more.