Capitol Rally Kicks Off Child Abuse Awareness Month

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Oregon

More than 500 people attended the rally Tuesday Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - A rally on the capitol steps Tuesday marks the beginning of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Marion County Sheriff Raul Ramirez says there is still a long way to go in healing the problem.

"It's still a problem and government alone can't solve this problem by ourselves. It has to be a hollistic approach; the whole community."

The signs of child abuse can be hard to detect, but experts say the worst circumstances can sometimes be avoided if more crimes against children are reported.

"In 2004 we had eight children that died as a result of child abuse. In front of the courthouse are the ribbons hanging on the tree that are dedicated to each victim. In cases of child abuse, 4 out of 5 cases go unreported, so that tells you a lot about the magnitude of this problem."

Sheriff Ramirez says people can get help or offer help by calling 503 581-5535.

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