The Oak House held its annual balloon release in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Crime Victim Week Friday afternoon at Willis Park.

“We had 115 balloons today,” Oak House director Amy Eakin said. “That is the total number of cases that came through the Oak House doors in 2015. That number has increased through the years, but I believe that number is increasing because of things like today. The community is becoming more aware and they’re reporting.”

The event was attended by representatives from Bainbridge Public Safety and the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office who work with The Oak House to combat child abuse in the county.

“We would ask that all citizens in the city and Decatur County be vigilant and watch and observe what is going on with children because children are so important to us,” BPS Deputy Director Frank Green said. “Victimization of children is the worst of crimes. We are going to do everything in our power to make sure that children are being taken care of the right way.”

The Oak House serves as a safe place where victims of abuse can tell their story without fear of judgment. They partner with law enforcement to make sure that victims of abuse have a place where they can come and get help.

“When law enforcement or DEFAX gets the report of a child abuse case whether it be sexual, physical, children with neglect or witnesses to violent crimes they are brought to the Oak House where they can tell their story in a nonbiased and safe environment,” Eakin said.

Unlike last year when both blue and red balloons were released, this year there was only the need for blue balloons because there were no abuse related child deaths in Decatur County in 2015.

Law enforcement officers and The Oak House ask that members of the community continue to help them fight child abuse throughout the county by reporting possible cases and watching over children you know. The Oak House can be contacted at (229) 309-1882 if you have any questions or know a child that may need help.