This content was published: April 5, 2013. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC community encouraged to march against child abuse
Photos and story by James Hill
On Monday, April 22, there will be a nationwide event called Million March Against Child Abuse. This is the first year of the event and more than 150 cities are registered with thousands of walkers marching in solidarity to raise awareness of child abuse. Marchers will also be advocating for stricter penalties for those who are convicted of murdering or abusing children.
The Portland March will be held downtown at the Multnomah County Courthouse. Those who would like to just show up are welcome, but organizers are asking those who can register to do so to estimate head count. The event will go from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Marchers are encouraged to wear blue or white, and will have blue ribbons for those who are registered.
As a nursing student I am a mandatory reporter, bound by law to report child and elder abuse. Patient advocacy and rights are two of the main cornerstones of nursing. As a future nurse it will be my duty to advocate for, protect and ensure the safety and ethical treatment of all my patients, especially children. Part of this duty, I believe, is promoting stiffer penalties on those who abuse a child. As a mother, it is my great privilege to have three beautiful sons and it would be my honor to do whatever possible to assure the safety of other children.
Yes, I would like to register for the walk to raise awareness on stricter penalties for convicted Murderers and child abusers. I couple of years ago I lost my only child to gun violence.