Advocates Hold Candlelight Vigil For Child Abuse Prevention

It was a somber evening on the steps of the Harford County Courthouse Wednesday as child advocates and concerned members of the community joined together in solidarity against child abuse.

Court Appointed Special Advocates for children, a group involved in the child welfare system that works to ensure childrens' best interests are served, organized a candlelight vigil Wednesday in recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

About 30 people attended the vigil which featured songs from the Susquehanna Singers, a moment of silence by candlelight, a pinwheel garden and several speakers.

CASA’s Director, Ross DiEdoardo, said he would not share statistics during the event because whether it be 1,000, 100 or only one child suffering abuse it is too many. Sheriff Jesse Bane also said a few words while Sharon Lipford, Director of Harford County Department of Community Services presented CASA with a proclamation for child abuse awareness month.

DiEdoardo hopes to make the vigil an annual event to draw attention to the issue of child abuse.