Local march against child abuse planned at Kalispell mall

Community members are encouraged to join in the local Million March Against Child Abuse, being held locally in conjunction with Share Fair 2014 on April 5 at the Kalispell Center Mall.

Founded in 2012, Million March Against Child Abuse is a nonpartisan, grass-roots, nationwide effort to unite all child advocates in a peaceful demonstration against crimes against children. Marches are being held in more than 100 cities in all 50 states, and in a number of other nations.

This is the first time the Flathead Valley has participated. Kathleen Heitman, local coordinator of the Million March, became involved after the death of a young child in Great Falls at the hands of a sexual predator.

“We want to get child abuse prevention awareness out there,” she said. “We want our voices heard,” Heitman said.

The march will begin at 9:45 a.m. at the JCPenney Court and continue through the Kalispell Center Mall and then proceed outside. Marchers will come back inside at noon to participate in the Parade of Young Children that’s also a part of Share Fair. The march will continue outside until 3 p.m. with snacks and drinks available. A petition to Congress for tougher rules on reporting child abuse and encouraging stiffer sentences for abusers will be available to sign.

Marchers are encouraged to wear blue or white shirts. Balloons and signs will be available.

There are nearly 3 million reported child abuse cases each year, according to the Million March Against Child Abuse, and experts believe the actual number is closer to 9 million as most go unreported. Heitman noted that 1,780 children die each year nationally from child abuse and neglect.

Flathead County had 1,559 reports of child abuse or neglect, including 39 sexual abuse reports in 2013, Heitman said.

Those in the Flathead area who would like to walk are asked to register by mailing their name and phone number and/or e-mail to: march4kids@aol.com. Information is also available through the Million March Against Child Abuse Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MMACAmarches.

Anyone is welcome to participate in the march anytime during the day without registering.

For more information on the local Million March Against Child Abuse, call 406-314-4379.