Local biker group continues to stand against child abuse

On Thursday evening, the Venango chapter of the Riders Advocating Against Child Abuse (RAACA) gathered at the Venango County Courthouse to honor and recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The “Turn the Courthouse Blue” event opened with the song “Concrete Angel” and a prayer by Carrie Wright, followed by presentations by Gina Graham from Court-Appointed Special Advocates.

“No child should have to face their journey alone,” Graham told the crowd of bikers and other attendees. Graham said that RAACA members show up for children going through the legal system, including at court hearings.

“They don’t just see bikers in leather vests,” she said of the children, emphasizing the importance of making sure the most vulnerable among us feel protected, safe and seen.

Graham was followed by Christie Johnson from Children and Youth Services, who said there were 88 substantiated reports of child abuse in Venango County last year.

While that is upsetting, Johnson said that taking action and raising awareness were essential for preventing future abuse cases.

“Prevention starts with connection,” she said.

RAACA’s Alicia Zabelsky followed Johnson, thanking attendees and stating their mission before welcoming the county’s representatives to the microphone.

Venango County Commissioners Ken Bryan and Tim Heffernan both came forward.

“If you see something, say something,” Bryan told the crowd. “This group here — we know the importance of this mission.”

On the 88 cases referenced by Johnson, Bryan said, “Lets get that number to zero, because that is the only acceptable number.”

Heffernan then took the podium to read Venango County’s official proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Awareness month.

Child Abuse Prevention Month is symbolized by the color blue, and after a closing song of “Amazing Grace” sung by Wright, blue pinwheels were placed in the area around the courthouse to represent the innocence of childhood.

RAACA is a nonprofit volunteer organization with chapters in Erie, Beaver, Crawford and Venango counties in Pennsylvania and Montgomery County in Kentucky.

The organization works alongside other organizations in the community to better the future for children, through activities like attending court hearings, stocking the victims’ lounge in the courthouse, sponsoring children involved with child welfare organizations, purchasing Christmas gifts for children through the Angel Tree program and providing donations to other organizations.

RAACA works to raise awareness, advocate for stronger protections and support victims of abuse.

Source: TheDerrick.com