DIXON — Community members gathered Friday on the lawn of the Old Lee County Courthouse in Dixon for the annual Hands Around the Courthouse event to raise awareness for child abuse prevention during Child Abuse Awareness Month. The event was hosted by Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center and CASA 15th Judicial Circuit and featured speakers including Shining Star Executive Director Jessica Cash, CASA Director Trish Howard, Dixon Police Deputy Chief Aaron Simonton, State Sen. Li Arellano, and Lee County Associate Judge Matt Klahn. Organizers said the event is meant to encourage education, community involvement, and support for children affected by abuse across the region.
“I think it’s huge for the community to have that acknowledgement of awareness,” said Lee County Associate Judge Matt Klahn. “Children are often among the most vulnerable in our community, and child abuse is often not seen. It is not a comfortable topic to talk about, but it is something that is imperative that we all be educated and aware.”
