We must do all we can to prevent abuse

In a symbolic sense, Tuesday's windstorm illustrated the outbursts faced by victims of sexual assault and child abuse. In an instant -- out of the blue -- predators can attack, leaving scars which have lasting effects on the lives of women and children.

Those thoughts came to mind Tuesday evening as a crowd gathered at the McCook Christian Church for a "Night of Hope" for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and child abuse. The ceremony was planned for Norris Park, but the howling winds and intermittent rain forced the event indoors.

The change had little, if any, effect on the turnout. Dozens attended, including victims, volunteers and a number of McCook Community College students, including members of the men's and women's basketball teams.

The message they heard was sobering. During their lifetimes, one in four women will be the victim of sexual assault. Of those attacks, 90 percent are not reported, meaning that many of the violent perpetrators are never prosecuted.

The same is true for child abusers. Because most of the acts are committed behind closed doors and go unreported, countless attackers go unpunished.

But there is a ray of hope. The optimism is based on public awareness, which was the point of the Tuesday "Night of Hope." Speakers representing the sponsoring agencies both emphasized that in their remarks. Jennifer Rogers, a victim advocate and community educator for Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault Services, and Barbara Morris, director of the Court Appointed Special Advocates program, both called upon members of the audience to alert others about the terrible effects of the abuse of women and children.

As a reminder, tiny blue and teal looped ribbons were distributed. The blue is a symbol of the need to stop child abuse, the teal is a call to wipe out sexual abuse.

Michelle Walkenshaw-Herrera's song, "Cement Angel," also brought home the need for abuse awareness, as did the prayer of the Rev. Charles Hooton of the First Assembly of God Church.

To conclude the evening, lighted candles were passed to all in attendance and the room was darkened. Minutes passed. Not a sound was uttered. But, in the silence, the message was clear. Violent acts are tearing lives apart. We must do all we can to end the abuse of women and children.