Child Abuse Prevention Advocates Honor Thousands of Victims in Salem (VIDEO)

A special event kicks off Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Pinwheels represent the roughly 1,900 children that were victims of abuse in Marion and Polk Counties in 2006. Photo by Austin King Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - They say only a fraction of the children who suffer abuse in this country report those crimes. What we do know is that in 2006 alone, there were over 12,000 child abuse victims in this state, and advocates say it is far too many.

During a special event Thursday in Salem, voices were heard offering words of support and hope. Those words came from child abuse advocates, police and elected leaders, and others who gathered with several hundred other people on the capitol steps to try to bring attention to a growing problem.

Some attending the event have a different take on where the root of the problems are found, and say that that they are as much the fault of a broken system as anything else. Marion County, Oregon is known for meth abuse and that certainly plays into it. But one advocate at the rally says placing growing numbers of children in foster care is no answer.

A number of agencies that work with abuse victims were set up at the event with informational displays and brochures. They also answered questions from the public and did their best to educate those who paused to learn more.

Marion County Sheriff Russ Isham says one of the things people have to remember, is that if they observe something out of the normal, something that may suggest child abuse, early intervention is the best answer.

"The sooner we know, the faster we can get in and do something and bring an end to the abuse. It is essential that people don't hesitate and just make that call so we can investigate."

Everyone behind the event says they hope the message is heard, that the death and violence that children suffer is unacceptable by any standard. As they say, "Hands and Words are not for hurting". WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW PRODUCED BY SALEM-NEWS.COM AND BROUGHT TO YOU COURTESY OF VEOH.

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